Baloch activists have gathered in Bremen, Germany, to protest what they say is a worsening human rights crisis in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, accusing Pakistani authorities of enforced disappearances, custodial executions and collective punishment. The demonstrations, organized by the Balochistan National Movement (BNM), called on the international community and human rights groups to intervene, citing the latest allegations of military attacks and abuse of civilians in the Gwadar region.Addressing the rally, the BNM spokesperson claimed that the Pakistani authorities were inflicting massive collective punishment on the people of Balochistan. They claim enforced disappearances and killings in custody have become routine, with homes demolished and families forced from their homes.The organization also highlighted the psychological toll enforced disappearances have on families.“They further stated that the uncertainty caused by enforced disappearances can develop into deep psychological trauma. This is no longer just a problem for the missing person, but the pain of the entire family. Mothers wait for news every day, fathers live under severe mental stress and helplessness, while children grow up with fear and emotional instability. Life cannot remain normal, and even daily activities become difficult,” BNM said.According to the organization, families of political activists face ongoing pressure in addition to the disappearance of their relatives.“The speakers further emphasized that simply because of an individual’s political activities or affiliations, family members are not only subjected to psychological, economic and social harm but, in some cases, are killed to exacerbate stress in Baloch society and spread fear. Families of the missing are often forced to remain silent; nonetheless, they receive the bodies of their loved ones killed by Pakistani forces in custody,” it added.The National Bank further alleged that in the past two days, the Pakistani Army repeatedly attacked Panwan Village and surrounding areas in Gwadar District, demolishing several houses and causing the enforced disappearance of more than 60 people. It also claimed that five of the missing persons were later killed in custody and their bodies dumped.Describing the broader situation in the province, the group said Balochistan had become increasingly isolated from international scrutiny.“This situation reflects the overall situation in Balochistan, which has turned into a media black hole. News from Balochistan rarely reaches the international media, allowing the Pakistani state to violate human rights with absolute impunity,” BNM said.The organization claimed that Panwan has been targeted by the Pakistani army many times in recent years and many young people in the area have been missing for a long time.It also claims that the military operation in the coastal strip of Gwadar is not only to combat the Baloch insurgency but also to tighten control over what it says is a lucrative international smuggling route.“The Army’s smuggling interests along the coast are the main driver of these operations. While the state views these actions as a response to the Baloch liberation movement, this is only one aspect; it mainly serves to provide a convenient excuse for the Pakistani military,” it noted.Bank Negara also alleged that similar tactics had previously been used in villages along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, including multiple raids, enforced disappearances, house burning and sexual violence, leading to the displacement of residents of dozens of villages.At the end of the protest, the organization called on neighboring countries, the international community and human rights organizations to recognize the deteriorating situation in Balochistan and take steps to stop “genocide against the Baloch nation.”Pakistan has consistently denied accusations of systematic human rights abuses in Balochistan, insisting its security operations target militant groups involved in insurgency and terrorism in the province.
