Human Rights Groups Report Surge in Balochistan Disappearances

Human rights organizations have documented a systemic pattern of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan. The Human Rights Council of Balochistan reported 54 disappearances and 66 killings during September 2026 alone, identifying the Frontier Corps as the alleged perpetrator in 55.6% of those disappearances and 45 of the killings. These victims included students, laborers, and minors, with the highest concentrations of violence recorded in Kech.

Earlier data from the Baloch Yakjehti Committee indicates a broader crisis, stating that 507 individuals were subjected to enforced disappearance in the first half of 2026. Of those, 303 remained missing and 32 were killed in custody. The committee identifies the Frontier Corps, the Counter Terrorism Department, and the Pakistani army as the primary perpetrators. Recent cases include the October 29 disappearance of student Taqleen Baloch in Bahawalpur, Punjab.

Security forces have also targeted activists. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee alleges that Mahrang Baloch and Bebarg Baloch have been tortured and denied medical care since March 2025, while member Gulzadi Baloch was sentenced to life imprisonment allegedly without due process. To suppress dissent, authorities imposed Section 144 on September 23 to restrict public gatherings across the region. Meanwhile, protests against these practices have continued for over 6,400 days in front of the Quetta Press Club.