📢 Fact Sheet: State Crackdown on BYC Ahead of “Baloch Genocide Remembrance Day” This fact sheet documents the escalating state-led repression against the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) and its activists to suppress their upcoming January 25 mass public gathering, “Baloch Genocide Remembrance Day,” in Dalbandin. The report will be updated in real-time to ensure it reflects the most current and accurate information. New developments or changes will be incorporated promptly to provide a comprehensive account of the situation.

On January 17, 2025, Jawad Qambrani forcibly disappeared by Pakistani security forces from the Sehwan Sharif shrine in Sindh. Prior to this, on July 12, 2024, he was unjustifiably disappeared by the Quetta police. His brother, Hassan Qambrani, along with their cousin, Hizbullah Qambrani, forcibly disappeared in February 2020 and were later released in May 2021. On the night of January 16, 2025, Ibrar Qambrani, the cousin of Jawad Qambrani and son of Haji Khurshaid Qambrani, was forcibly disappeared by Pakistan’s security forces from his home in Kili Qambrani, Quetta. Ibrar, an economics graduate from the University of Balochistan, has not been seen since. Despite the family's efforts, the police in Balochistan and Sindh have not cooperated in filing an FIR against the enforced disappearances by security forces. The Human Rights Council of Balochistan strongly demands the safe and immediate release of Jawad Qambrani and Ibrar Qambrani. Furthermore, the HRCB calls for an end to the ongoing collective punishment imposed on his family by the security forces. #ReleaseQambraniBrothers

Today marks the significant event of "Baloch Genocide Remembrance Day" organized by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) in Dalbandin. Thousands of people from across Balochistan have united in this mass gathering to voice their protest against the prolonged state-led violence in the region. We are deeply concerned for the safety of the participants, given the heavy deployment of security forces and the suspension of all mobile networks and internet services across most parts of the area. These actions raise fears of human rights violations.

On January 21, 2025, Abdul Kareem Lal Muhammad, a 65-year-old visually impaired shepherd who relies on herding livestock for his livelihood, was forcibly abducted by the Frontier Corps in Buleda, Kech. He was abducted along with his two sons in the wilderness. Their current whereabouts remain unknown.

The Human Rights Council of Balochistan expresses its deep concern over the heavy deployment of security forces in Dalbandin, which has severely restricted access to the city. This extensive presence of military personnel strongly indicates a possible blockade of the area and raises fears of a potential crackdown on participants of the upcoming event organized by the BYC on 25 January. We call on authorities to immediately ease restrictions, refrain from the use of force, and respect the fundamental rights of the people to gather and voice their concerns peacefully. HRCB will continue to monitor the situation closely and urges national and international human rights organizations to take notice of these concerning developments.

The Human Rights Council of Balochistan condemns the recent suspension of internet services in Dalbandin, Chagai, Noshki, and Kharan ahead of the Baloch Genocide Remembrance Day on January 25, 2025. This calculated move raises serious concerns about the state’s intent to suppress freedom of expression and disrupt communication on a significant day of remembrance for the Baloch people. This act is particularly alarming as it mirrors the state’s actions during the Baloch Raji Muchi gathering in Gwadar, where internet services were forcibly suspended across several areas to conceal the violent crackdown on peaceful participants by security forces. Such internet blackouts are a recurring strategy to prevent documentation of human rights violations, deny freedom of expression, and undermine democratic principles. HRCB demands the immediate restoration of internet services and urges the state to respect the fundamental rights of the Baloch people to hold their event peacefully without fear of repression.

The Human Rights Council of Balochistan condemns the unjust arrest and filing of an FIR against Baloch students in Gwadar for running a bookstall. This act of criminalizing education and harassing young individuals engaged in promoting knowledge is a troubling assault on educational freedoms in Balochistan. Although the students were later released on bail, they now face prolonged legal battle that may last months or even years. Such actions highlight a pattern of oppressive practices that must end. Education is a basic human right, and efforts to spread knowledge should be celebrated, not punished.

RT @af_diaspora: Baluch human rights activist Abdullah Abbas discusses how human rights in Baluchistan. He highlights the persistent patte…

Ten Years Since Rahmatullah’s Disappearance Today marks a decade since Rahmatullah was forcibly disappeared. On January 18, 2015, he was traveling from Quetta to Noshki when security forces detained him at a checkpoint, and he disappeared without a trace. Since then, his whereabouts have remained unknown. Rahmatullah had been in Quetta for his wedding shopping, preparing to start a new chapter in his life. Ten years have passed, his family still hasn’t received justice. #ReleaseRahmatBaloch #EndEnforcedDisappearances

In December 2024, eighty-six cases of enforced disappearances were reported across Balochistan. Among the victims, thirty-one were released, while fifty-four remain missing, and one was killed. Additionally, thirty killings were recorded in the region, including extrajudicial killings. Twenty-six victims were identified, while four could not be confirmed. Police launched a crackdown in Hub City on protesters demanding the release of Zubair, who had been forcibly disappeared. FIRs were filed against the protesters in Kalat and Hub. Additionally, the government imposed Section 144 across Balochistan to restrict public gatherings. Link to the full report:

HRCB strongly condemns the violent crackdown by Karachi Police and LEAs on BYC members during a peaceful mobilization campaign for their upcoming mass gathering in Dalbandin. 25 people, including Lala Wahab Baloch and Sammi Deen Baloch, were illegally arrested in Liyari. These arrests are part of a broader pattern of repression. We call on the authorities to immediately release all detained individuals, end the ongoing harassment of Baloch citizens, and ensure the protection of their fundamental rights.

Urgent Concern Over Forced Disappearances of Minors in Kech We express our deep concern regarding the recent forced disappearances of two minors, Shahnawaz Habib and Yousuf Qasim, from Gomazi, Kech. The targeting of minors by Pakistani forces is an alarming and inhumane practice that demands immediate attention and accountability. #EndEnforcedDisappearances

The Human Rights Council of Balochistan is pleased to be part of the 1st World Congress on Enforced Disappearances @EDworldcongress, organized by the Convention Against Enforced Disappearances Initiative (CEDI), the United Nations Committee on Enforced Disappearances (CED), the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID), and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), along with other partner organizations. The Congress aimed to enhance global efforts to combat enforced disappearances by raising awareness, promoting intergovernmental dialogue, and presenting an action plan to protect all persons from enforced disappearance. It was critical to witness the realization of the ineffectiveness of the current international mechanisms to address this pressing issue, where perpetrators often enjoy impunity, leaving victims’ families to suffer in anguish. The gathering was powerful and inspiring, as it brought together civil society organizations and victims’ families to take the lead in global campaigns against enforced disappearances. Their resilience, coordination, and mutual support are vital in addressing the loopholes in international mechanisms and pushing for greater accountability and justice. #WCED2025 #EndEnforcedDisappearences

From Enforced Disappearance to Tragic Staged Explosion Itefaq Ahmed (Afzal Manzoor) was abducted on December 10, 2024, along with his two brothers, Ehsan Manzoor and Hamid Manzoor. While Ehsan and Hamid were released on December 18, 2024, Itefaq remained missing. During his disappearance, his family organized protests and held a press conference to draw attention to his situation and demand his safe recovery. Tragically, on January 13, 2025, he was killed in a staged explosion in the Jusak area of Turbat. Similarly, three individuals—Adil, Shahjan, and Nabi Daad—were reported dead in a staged car explosion on November 19, 2023. Their bodies were transported to Hoshap Hospital by the Levies force in District Kech. Investigations later revealed that these men had been forcibly disappeared by security forces on August 22, 2023. A disturbing pattern has emerged where forcibly disappeared individuals are being released only to be killed in targeted attacks or staged explosions. This emerging pattern has raised serious concerns about the well-being of victims of enforced disappearances further traumatizing the families of victims of enforced disappearances