Balochistan: Forced Disappearances Spike As Pakistan Launches Crackdown

Balochistan, the largest but underdeveloped province of Pakistan has always harboured sentiment towards breaking free from Pakistan. Pakistan’s approach has often been to respond in heavy-handed manner. Pakistani Army has now launched a fresh crackdown in the province.

Pakistani forces have launched crackdown in the country’s restive Balochistan region. The Balochistan Post has reported that forced disappearances have seen an uptick since the operation was launched. The crackdown has reportedly been started in Dera Bugti, Sui, Barkhan, Turbat and Kalat regions. Dozens of detentions have been reported in these areas.

On Thursday this week, Pakistani forces raided a residential area in Turbat and detained multiple individuals.

As reported by ANI, those in detention are: Zafar, Rahim Jan and Mohammad Kareem. In addition to this five guests from Zafar’s guest house were also detained. There are reports of further more individuals being detained.

An individual named Pir Mohammad was detained by Pakistani forces from Dera Bugti. ANI reported that this was the third time Pir Mohammad was detained by security forces and he was severely tortured before his release on previous occasions.

Balochistan is the largest province in Pakistan and rich in minerals. But it has remained impoverished and underdeveloped. The resentment among the locals has developed into a separatist movement for which several armed outfits attack Pakistani forces and interests.

China is currently heavily involved in Balochistan to develop China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) But development of projects under the broader plan has faced many obstacles including insurgent attacks on infrastructure and personnel. Chinese workers have also been targeted and some of them have even lost lives.

China has maintained pressure on Pakistan and has made its displeasure amply clear. Pakistani establishment has responded with assurances and crackdowns like the current one which hasn’t fully been able to improve the on-ground situation.