The people of several areas of Balochistan, Quetta, Kech, Karachi, Khuzdar and Mand, are staging continuous protests in various regions of Pakistan against enforced disappearances of women in Balochistan. Instances of forced disappearances are common in Balochistan, and the new wave of protests started after cases of the enforced disappearance of Baloch women came to light.
Pakistan’s Army, in collaboration with the Intelligence agencies of the country, was involved in the forced disappearances of several people from Balochistan and shifted them to undisclosed, unknown locations. The people of Balochistan, apart from being abducted and forcibly disappeared, are known to be tortured by the people.
The families in question are those of Rahim Zehri, his mother, Mahbas Khatoon, his wife, Rasheeda Zehri, and their two children. They belong from Gishkori Town in Quetta and Mahal Baloch, her two daughters and other women.
The increase in the number of these instances has resulted in increased pressure on the offenders. The result of this is that they released the women. However, Rahim Zehri is still under the captivity of the offenders.
Reports suggest that these incidents are common in areas of Balochistan. The most common victims of forced disappearances are young people. However, women’s disappearances have also risen sharply in the last few months.
The authorities have reported similar incidents in District Panjgur and other parts of Balochistan. In many of these instances, the Pakistan army abducted the women of the region and even sexually abused them. Sources suggest that the women who become pregnant due to the abuse get forced for an abortion.
The incidents of abduction get reported in the Pakistani state since 2015. However, in the last few months, the reports of abduction of women have witnessed a steep rise. In August 2022, the Army was found responsible for abducting thirteen women in the Uch Kaman area of district Bolan. A known Balochi Poetess, Habiba Pir Jan, also faced a similar fate
