In a development that has reignited concerns about human rights in Balochistan, security forces have reportedly detained two individuals, including a government official, prompting allegations of enforced disappearances from their distressed families.
The detained individuals have been identified as Asif Baloch, a serving officer with the Levies force, and Wadood Ahmed, a resident of the Kech district. Their sudden detention has sent shockwaves through their communities and drawn attention to the ongoing issue of missing persons in the restive province.
Families Stage Protest, Demand Justice
Heart-wrenching scenes unfolded as family members of the detained individuals gathered to protest, holding placards and raising their voices against what they term an 'illegal detention' by state authorities. The protesters made a fervent appeal to the Balochistan High Court and other superior judicial bodies to intervene and ensure the safe recovery of their loved ones.
"We have been left with no information, no official word, and no hope," a family member was quoted as saying. "This is not an isolated incident; it is part of a painful pattern that countless Baloch families have endured."
The Levies Force: A Local Institution
The detention of Asif Baloch is particularly significant as he served in the Levies, a traditional law enforcement agency recruited from local tribes. This development raises serious questions about the scope and nature of the security operations being conducted in the region.
Enforced disappearances remain one of the most contentious human rights issues in Pakistan, with Balochistan being the epicentre of such allegations. Human rights organisations have repeatedly documented cases where individuals are picked up by security agencies without any legal due process, often remaining missing for years.
A Call for Transparency and Accountability
This latest incident has amplified calls for greater transparency from state institutions. Critics argue that such actions undermine the rule of law and fuel further alienation and unrest in the province.
As the families continue their agonising wait for information, this case has become yet another flashpoint in the long-standing conflict in Balochistan, highlighting the urgent need for a transparent and accountable mechanism to address the issue of missing persons.
