At least 18 Baloch people were forcibly disappeared in raids conducted by Pakistani armed forces over the past two weeks in Balochistan. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) reported that 11 people were forcibly disappeared from Kech’s Hothabad and seven from Gwadar’s Panwan Jiwani.

According to the human rights group, these enforced disappearances were carried out through raids on homes and targeted operations. It said these incidents showcase a pattern of collective punishment against people of Balochistan. The BYC demanded the immediate and safe release of all forcibly disappeared individuals. It called upon national and international human rights organisations, the United Nations, and the international community to take urgent notice and ensure accountability.

Balochistan has been reeling under the endless atrocities at the hands of Pakistani authorities, who facilitate death squads in the region to carry out enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and illegal detentions of Baloch people.