Balochistan

Baloch Voice for Justice (BVJ) has denounced the alleged enforced disappearance of retired Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Bakhsh Sajidi, his brother Naeem Sajidi, and Engineer Rafeeq Baloch, all of whom are relatives of Baloch National Movement (BNM) chairman Dr Naseem Baloch. According to reports, the three men were taken away during an early-morning operation in Hub Chowki area of Balochistan.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, the rights group alleged that the abductions were part of a policy of collective punishment publicly articulated by Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti. The organisation said targeting the families of political leaders amounts to collective retribution and violates fundamental rights and human dignity.

“Targeting relatives of political figures is a blatant form of collective punishment. Such actions undermine civil liberties and are designed to instil fear, suppress dissent, and silence political opposition,” the statement read.

BVJ further stated that collective punishment is expressly prohibited under international law, including Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, and constitutes a violation under both international humanitarian and human rights frameworks.

The group demanded the immediate release of those allegedly detained and urged international human rights bodies to intervene, calling for accountability for those responsible.

Baloch Voice for Justice is a Baloch human rights advocacy platform that operates largely online, documenting and campaigning against alleged cases of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and other rights violations in Balochistan. Through social media and its website, the group highlights cases involving civilians—particularly activists, students, and political workers—who are reportedly detained without formal charges or information being shared with their families.

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Human rights concerns in Balochistan have persisted for decades amid tensions between the Pakistani state and Baloch nationalist movements. Allegations of enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, torture, and unlawful killings remain widespread. At the same time, ongoing militancy has contributed to attacks on civilians, workers, and infrastructure, worsening the region’s security situation. Rights organisations continue to call for accountability, adherence to the rule of law, and meaningful political engagement to address the conflict.