The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has raised alarm over the escalating Balochistan unrest, highlighting a significant decline in security across the province. In 2023 alone, 110 militant attacks have been reported, contributing to the growing tension in the region.
During a press conference, Kashif Kakar, the vice-chairman of HRCP’s Balochistan chapter, presented a report outlining the incidents of violence in Balochistan throughout the year. He emphasized that the worsening law and order situation, coupled with increasing human rights violations, is fueling the ongoing Balochistan unrest.
The event was also attended by Habib Tahir, the former vice-chairman of HRCP Balochistan, alongside other human rights activists. The report highlighted a tragic suicide attack on a police convoy in Bolan, which resulted in the deaths of nine police officers in March 2023. Additionally, over 50 lives were lost in a devastating suicide attack near a mosque in Mastung in September 2024.
HRCP’s report expressed deep concern over the practice of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan, which continues to be a major issue. The lack of accountability and government indifference further exacerbates the Balochistan unrest.
Mr. Kashif Kakar noted that in November 2023, young Baloch activists protested against the extrajudicial killing of a Baloch youth, marching from Turbat to Islamabad. However, these peaceful demonstrators faced harassment, and their right to assemble was violated by violent police actions.
The report also highlighted the ongoing demands of the Haq Do Tehreek in Gwadar, which is calling for action against state-led rights violations, including enforced disappearances and the hyper-militarization contributing to the Balochistan unrest. Journalists in Balochistan continue to face restrictions on their freedom of expression, fearing retaliation from security forces, separatist groups, and tribal leaders.
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The rule of law in the province remains weak, with high-profile cases such as the accusations against provincial lawmaker Sardar Abdul Rehman Khetran, who was charged with detaining individuals in private jails, sexual assault, and murder.
The HRCP’s report also mentioned that the appointment of Anwarul Haq Kakar as the caretaker prime minister in August 2023 has drawn criticism, with many analysts linking it to his former ties with the establishment-backed Balochistan Awami Party, further deepening concerns over Balochistan unrest.
In a rare positive note, the Balochistan government has granted labor status to the province’s fisherfolk community. However, the province continues to witness numerous mining accidents, with 36 mine workers killed and 40 injured in 2023.
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Violence Against Women
The report also documented the persistent violence against women in Balochistan. In one case, a man in Dera Murad Jamali killed his teenage daughter for refusing an arranged marriage. In another tragic instance, a teenage girl in Chagai was sentenced to death by a local jirga for alleged ‘illegal’ relations with a man.
