A human rights organization has expressed deep worry about the rising number of enforced disappearances of women in Balochistan by Pakistan’s security forces and intelligence agencies. The Human Rights Council of Balochistan (HRCB) reported that 12 women have been abducted this year, including Hazra, eight-months-pregnant Hani, and 17-year-old Hair Nisa, indicating a severe human rights crisis in the region. These actions are in violation of Pakistan’s Constitution and international laws such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Convention Against Torture.
Voicing concern over the escalating atrocities against women in Balochistan, Sammi Baloch, a central leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), highlighted a disturbing trend where the enforced disappearance of Baloch women has become a common occurrence. Sammi emphasized that women, including underage girls, mothers with infants, and pregnant women, are being targeted, signifying a harsh escalation of state violence. The BYC leader underscored the importance of speaking out against this oppression to prevent further normalization of such cruel acts.
The BYC leader also pointed out the historical role of women in the Baloch movement, stating that women have always been at the forefront of resistance as mothers, daughters, sisters, and activists. She condemned the deliberate targeting of women as a tactic to instill fear in the community, weaken public resolve, and punish families seeking justice. Sammi urged people from all walks of life to raise their voices against these injustices, warning that if left unchallenged, the disappearance of Baloch women will have far-reaching consequences for all communities.
