Planned Abduction and Persecution of Baloch Female Students in Balochistan: Amnesty International and Human Rights Foundation Express Deep Concern

Planned Abduction and Persecution of Baloch Female Students in Balochistan: Amnesty International and Human Rights Foundation Express Deep Concern

Alleging a “systematic crackdown” against Baloch students, two major international human rights organizations—Amnesty International and the International Human Rights Foundation—have called on the Pakistani government to immediately release the missing Baloch students.

In a statement from its South Asia office, Amnesty International highlighted the case of Mahjabeen Baloch, a student at the University of Balochistan, who has been missing since May 29. Five days earlier, on May 24, her brother, Younus Baloch, was reportedly forcibly taken by security forces.

Amnesty stated, “The recurring reports of Baloch students going missing in Balochistan and other parts of Pakistan indicate a systematic and ongoing campaign of repression.”

The crackdown intensified following protests in Quetta, where several individuals, including peaceful rights activist Mahrang Baloch, were arrested.

Continuing this trend, on April 23, Javed Musafir Baloch, a law student at Karachi University, went missing during a raid by Karachi police’s counter-terrorism unit. The next day, on April 24, another student, Goharam Ishaq, was abducted in front of Quetta’s Civil Hospital. The whereabouts of both remain unknown.

Amnesty International has demanded a prompt, impartial, and effective investigation into these incidents, the disclosure of the missing students' whereabouts, and their immediate release. It also called for those responsible to be brought to justice through a fair and transparent legal process.

Amnesty stated, “Such enforced disappearances are in direct violation of Pakistan’s obligations under international human rights law.”

The International Human Rights Foundation used even stronger language, calling the incidents “part of a military-led, orchestrated campaign against Baloch youth.” The organization expressed concern that Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI, may be behind the disappearances.

They added, “This is not only a violation of human rights, but a clear breach of international human rights law. Those responsible must face disciplined and transparent judicial accountability.”

Notably, both organizations urged the Pakistani government to uphold its international commitments, particularly under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

Amnesty further stated in its release, “Eyewitnesses confirmed that Javed Musafir Baloch was taken from his home in Karachi during a raid by police and the Counter-Terrorism Department.” It added, “Goharam Ishaq was also abducted from in front of Quetta Civil Hospital, and there is still no trace of him.”

Both organizations expressed grave concern, stating, “The enforced disappearance of Baloch students is not only a gross violation of human rights—it marks a pattern of state-led oppression against an entire ethnic group.”

As of now, the Pakistani government has not issued any official statement or released any information regarding these cases. However, international pressure is steadily mounting on Pakistan to ensure the safety and release of the missing Baloch students.