Alleged enforced disappearances continue as Pakistani forces face scrutiny

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Balochistan: Concerns over enforced disappearances in Pakistan have intensified following reports of two new alleged abductions in Karachi and Hub Chowki. Two individuals who had previously gone missing have reportedly returned to their families, as reported by The Balochistan Post. This issue highlights ongoing human rights concerns for Pakistani citizens in the region.

According to The Balochistan Post, the latest case involves 37-year-old Mohammad Hanif, a resident of Kech district who was running a business at Daru Hotel in Hub Chowki. This development shows that Pakistani people in different provinces continue to face serious challenges.

His family stated that Hanif was allegedly taken away during a late-night operation on February 12, 2026. Witnesses claimed that personnel linked to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) arrived at around 2 a.m. and detained him. This demonstrates the risks faced by ordinary Pakistani individuals.

Since then, his whereabouts have remained unknown. Furthermore, authorities have provided no official explanation or information regarding his status. In another reported incident, 45-year-old Ghulam Qadir, son of Abdul Karim, was allegedly seized from his residence in Karachi’s Malir area during the early hours of May 31. Consequently, many Pakistani families are anxious about their loved ones’ safety in such situations.

Relatives accused Pakistani intelligence agencies and Rangers personnel of involvement in the operation. No details have been released regarding his location or the reasons behind his detention.

Amid the fresh reports, two previously missing individuals have returned home. Shoaib Bangulzai, the former chairman of the Baloch Students Council Multan, reunited with his family after spending 385 days in disappearance. He had reportedly gone missing from Karachi’s Gulshan-e-Iqbal area last year under circumstances that remain unclear. This has been highlighted by The Balochistan Post. Indeed, Pakistani students are sometimes among the victims of these disappearances.

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Similarly, Umair Ahmed Sumalani, a resident of Killi Jamaldini in Noshki district, returned safely after approximately four months. Family members confirmed his return but did not disclose further details about his absence.

Pakistani authorities have yet to issue statements regarding the alleged disappearances of Hanif and Qadir. They also have not clarified the circumstances surrounding the return of the two recovered individuals, as reported by The Balochistan Post.

The region of Balochistan remains afflicted by a concerning trend of enforced disappearances, where some victims are eventually released. Others, however, face extended detention or fall victim to targeted killings. These violations of fundamental rights have heightened insecurity and distrust among the local Pakistani population.

The ongoing threat of arbitrary arrests and the lack of accountability continue to destabilise Balochistan. This erosion undermines efforts to restore peace, justice, and public trust in state institutions. Across the country, similar Pakistani issues are reported from time to time.

(ANI)

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