The Human Rights Department of Baloch National Movement Paank’s annual report for 2023 sheds light on the distressing state of human rights in Balochistan. The findings reveal that 75 individuals fell victim to extrajudicial killings, while an alarming 576 people were subjected to enforced disappearances at the hands of the Pakistan army. Disturbingly, 261 individuals faced torture during enforced disappearance, further emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
This comprehensive report by Paank underscores the pressing need for swift international intervention to counter the rising tide of atrocities, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and the systematic denial of basic human rights in Balochistan.
Paank has put forth four key recommendations aimed at ameliorating the human rights crisis in Balochistan. By advocating for the implementation of these measures, international organizations can actively safeguard the rights and well-being of the Baloch nation. Moreover, they can play a pivotal role in ensuring accountability for those responsible for these reprehensible acts.
The recommendations include ” exerting pressure on the Pakistani government to halt human rights violations and enforced disappearances, thorough investigation and documentation of human rights abuses in Balochistan, the appointment of independent and impartial monitoring teams, and providing financial and logistical support to entities and individuals actively promoting human rights, aiding victims, and advocating for justice. In instances where the Pakistani government fails to address these issues and hold perpetrators accountable, diplomatic measures and sanctions ” are suggested as viable options.
The Paank report has exposed the extent of human rights violations by the Pakistani government and military. Notably, General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry’s admission to conducting 4040 military operations in Balochistan from January to March contradicts the longstanding denial of such activities. This acknowledgment signifies a growing awareness of the military’s presence in Balochistan and its involvement in human rights abuses.
In light of these revelations, the Paank report strongly urges international human rights organizations and institutions to address the severe violations occurring in Balochistan. The report serves as a critical call to action, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to curb the ongoing human rights crisis in the region.
