The Baloch National Movement’s human rights department, known as Paank, has published a report detailing a concerning start to January 2026 regarding human rights violations in Balochistan. The report indicates that the situation in the region has worsened, with numerous incidents of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings occurring across different districts in Balochistan, as well as in Karachi, Sindh. This continuing trend illustrates a deteriorating security and human rights landscape.

Statistics on Violations Highlight a Growing Crisis

In the report, Paank recorded a total of 82 enforced disappearances in January 2026. Among these cases, 44 individuals were reportedly freed after suffering from severe physical and psychological trauma during their detention. Additionally, the organisation confirmed 12 cases of extrajudicial killings during this period, exacerbating the pervasive climate of fear in the region.

District-Wise Breakdown of Incidents

The report provides specific district-wise data, revealing that Kech had the highest reported cases with 26 enforced disappearances, followed by Shaal with 16 cases and Gwadar with 15. Other districts included Kharan, which accounted for nine cases, Panjgur with six, and Khuzdar with four. Lasbela and Karachi each witnessed two cases, while Dera Bugti and Nushki reported one case each. The report further indicates that many of these incidents involved unauthorized home raids and arrests, with detainees held without access to legal representation at undisclosed locations where they are allegedly subjected to torture.

Calls for Accountability and Justice

Paank asserts that the ongoing patterns of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings reflect an alarming decline in human rights conditions in Balochistan. The organisation has called for transparent and independent inquiries into these reported incidents, urging the identification of those responsible as well as meaningful accountability measures to provide justice for the victims’ families and to uphold the rule of law in the region.

Human Rights Commission’s Findings

Following a recent fact-finding mission to Balochistan, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) reported that enforced disappearances and other human rights abuses are intensifying public alienation and contributing to political instability in the area. The ongoing situation reflects a deepening crisis in governance and accountability, raising significant concerns over human rights and long-term peace in Balochistan.

Government Denials of Involvement

Despite increasing evidence and numerous accounts from victims, Pakistani authorities have consistently refuted claims of involvement in enforced disappearances. Such denials are often characterized as politically motivated or unverified, complicating efforts to hold accountable those responsible for these violations. This persistent denial has resulted in a lack of justice for victims’ families and has fueled ongoing distrust between the state and local communities.

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