The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a leading human rights group in Pakistan, has raised serious concerns about military operations, raids, violence, and enforced disappearances targeting Baloch people by the Pakistani military forces.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, the BYC revealed that areas in Ganz and Panwan, located in Jewani, Gwadar, were “sieged by the Pakistani military forces launching a brutal operation.”

The BYC stated that Pakistani forces surrounded the towns, raided homes, harassed civilians, and forcibly abducted more than 18 Baloch individuals. Among those abducted, the BYC named two victims, Sajjad (son of Wajul) and Zareef (son of Shakeel), who were taken in front of Ganz Hotel. Details of the remaining abductees are yet to be confirmed.

Although some individuals have been released, several, including Shahjan Shahdad, Hassan Aziz, Sameer Abdul Hameed, Imran Mohammad, and Zaheer Imam, remain missing.

Protests Demand Justice

On the same day, the BYC and families of victims organised protests across Balochistan, demanding justice for two individuals – Zareef Umar, recently killed, and Naveed Hamid, allegedly slain by Pakistani security forces, according to The Balochistan Post.

The protests began in Turbat with a rally at Fida Chowk, near a camp set up by the victims’ families and BYC members. Women, children, and supporters participated in a march through the city’s main areas before gathering outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Holding placards and chanting slogans, they demanded justice for Umar and Hamid and called for an end to human rights violations in the region.