Enforced Disappearances Surge as Baloch Students Detained

Amid ongoing disputes in Balochistan, six individuals, including three students, have been allegedly abducted by Pakistani security forces. Raids on universities in Lahore resulted in missing students, sparking outrage. Human rights groups highlight a persistent pattern of forced disappearances in the region, with little progress in addressing the crisis.

Amid escalating tensions in Balochistan, reports indicate that six people, including three students, have allegedly been abducted by Pakistani security forces. The ongoing unrest in the region has seen a recent uptick in forced disappearances, sparking significant concern amongst human rights organizations both domestically and internationally.

Raids on hostels at Punjab University and the University of Lahore led to the detention of three students, reportedly transferred to undisclosed locations. The Balochistan Post identified the students as Ikram Mengal, Shamrez Badini, and Deedag Baloch. While Mengal has since been released, the other two remain unaccounted for. The Baloch Students Council condemned the acts as targeting of Baloch students and demanded the safe restoration of the missing individuals.

The troubling trend continued with CCTV footage released by Baloch students, purportedly showing armed forces in action. Further actions on October 9 and 10 in Balochistan's Khuzdar district and Askani Bazaar have highlighted a persistent issue of political and human rights violations. Despite consistent allegations against security agencies for carrying out abductions to quell Baloch autonomy demands, the pervasive issue remains unaddressed.

(With inputs from agencies.)