Pakistan’s security and intelligence agencies have escalated their crackdown on human rights activists, political campaigners, journalists, academics, students, and families of victims of enforced disappearances. This repression includes violent raids on the homes of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders, unlawful arrests, enforced disappearances, detention under 3MPO, and the filing of fabricated police cases. Peaceful protests and sit-ins have also been met with brutal force.
The surge in human rights violations follows the March 11, 2025, hijacking of the Jaffer Express by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) in Balochistan. In response, the Pakistani government and military launched a large-scale crackdown under the guise of ‘counterterrorism.’ However, these operations have primarily targeted peaceful activists.
The Pakistani military claimed to have killed 33 “terrorists” in these operations. However, the BLA stated that only 13 of its members were killed and issued names and photographs of the deceased.
According to reports, on March 18, security forces brought 23 bodies to Quetta Civil Hospital, labeling them as militants killed in the rescue operation in Bolan, Balochistan. The contradictory statements sent shockwaves to the families of victims of enforced disappearances, as there has been a well-documented pattern of the military killing victims of enforced disappearances whenever they come under attack. This serves two purposes: first, to dispose of the victims of enforced disappearances, and second, to obscure the broader issue of enforced disappearances in Balochistan.
As families heard about the bodies, they rushed to Quetta Civil Hospital. However, authorities refused to allow them to identify the bodies, sparking widespread public outrage. Given past fears of disappeared persons being killed in fake encounters, families feared the bodies belonged to their abducted loved ones. When families attempted to access the hospital, security forces attacked them, injuring several individuals and arresting others, including women.
Security forces further intensified their crackdown, conducting indiscriminate raids on civilians, mainly targeting Baloch human rights advocates and political activists. Many individuals have been arrested and forcibly disappeared across Balochistan since March 11, 2025.
To protest these escalating military crackdowns, abductions, and arrests—including those of BYC central leader Bebarg Zehri, his brother Hammal Baloch, Dr. Ilyas Baloch, Saeeda Baloch, and other detained women—the BYC organized a rally in Quetta on March 20, 2025. According to the BYC, local police and the district administration suppressed the protest with batons and water cannons. However, the demonstration remained peaceful. After the attack, the BYC announced a sit-in demanding the release of the arrested activists.
The sit-in began in front of the University of Balochistan at 3 PM on March 21. Security forces, particularly the police, launched a violent attack on the peaceful protesters, injuring many and killing three individuals, including a 13-year-old boy, Nehmat Baloch.
Following these killings, the BYC continued the sit-in with the bodies of the deceased and announced a complete shutdown and road blockade across Balochistan on March 22, 2025. As public outrage grew, security forces once again attacked the sit-in in Quetta, unlawfully arresting BYC’s central organizer, Dr. Mahrang Baloch, along with Beebow Baloch and several other campaigners. The forces also took away the bodies of those killed.
In response to these arrests, the BYC called for a protest led by Sammi Deen Baloch, a central leader of the organization, in Karachi on March 24. However, security forces violently arrested Sammi and several others. The wave of detentions continued with the arrest of Mahzaib Baloch and Fozia, who were later released, while another key BYC leader, Sibghatullah Baloch, was taken into custody and transferred to an unknown location on March 30.
These arrests have further fueled public anger across Balochistan and within the global Baloch community, triggering widespread protests and demands for the immediate release and safety of the detained activists.
A local political party, the Balochistan National Party (BNP), also announced a march to Quetta to demand the release of the BYC leaders on March 28. However, the government attacked and denied the marchers entry to the capital city at Lakpass, arresting dozens of participants. After the attack, the organizer of the march and president of the BNP, Akhtar Mengal, announced a sit-in protest, stating that they “will not end their protest until the government releases the detained BYC leaders.”
Additionally, the government has once again resorted to shutting down communication channels, including mobile phone services and the internet, particularly in Quetta. The human rights situation remains dire, with significant challenges in reporting due to these imposed communication disruptions.
BYC leader and award-winning human rights advocate Sammi Deen was released on April 1 following massive public outcry and pressure from human rights organizations.
The Human Rights Council of Balochistan has been closely monitoring the situation, documenting the violent attacks and human rights violations through multiple channels, including local journalists, activists, social media, victims’ families, and participants in public gatherings.
HRCB will continue to update this fact sheet with further details on past and future incidents as more information becomes available.
Here is the chronological accounts of the incidents, arranged from the latest to the oldest, with each action listed under its respective date:
April 3:
- Marchers Denied Entry at Lakpass; BNP-Mengal Announces Resumption of March Toward Quetta City: The Balochistan National Party’s sit-in protest has entered its seventh consecutive day. However, authorities have failed to release the BYC leaders. As a result, the protest organizer announced that the march would resume toward Quetta City on April 6, 2025.
April 2:
- Forced Disappearance of a Student: Kiyya Baloch (20), a resident of Mashkay, Awaran and a student of English Literature, was abducted by Pakistan’s intelligence agencies from Daro Hotel, Hub Chowki, at 9 pm. This marks his second enforced disappearance; he was previously abducted in January 2023 and held for 145 days.
- Further Government Restrictions to Prevent Marchers’ Entry into Quetta: Footage shared by the organizer of the sit-in protest at Lakpass shows authorities digging up and destroying sections of the Quetta-Karachi National Highway and placing shipping containers, in an apparent attempt to block the peaceful marchers from entering Quetta City.
April 1:
- Abduction of an Elderly Political Activist: Security forces arrested Zaheer Baloch, a senior citizen and political activist in Quetta. He was targeted for participating in protests demanding the release of BYC leaders.
March 31:
- Abduction of Student: Qambar Karim, a resident of Sajidi Bazar, Kolwah, Awaran and a student, was abducted by the Frontier Corps (FC) from Apsar area in Kech district at noon, along with Murad Sakim. Qambar was previously abducted in August 2023 and released in November 2023.
March 30:
- Government-Imposed Ban on Public Travel: A travel ban was enforced from 5:00 PM to 5:00 AM across Balochistan, particularly on major highways in several districts. Authorities cited a “deteriorating security situation” as the reason for the restriction.
March 29:
- Abduction of another BYC Leader: Sibghat Ullah Shah Jee was abducted along with his brother and two nephews during a raid on his home in Satellite Town, Quetta. While his brother and nephews were released later, Sibghat Ullah was transferred to District Jail Hudda, Quetta on April 1.
- Reported Suicide Blast Near BNP’s Sit-in Protest: Local media reported that a suicide attacker detonated himself near the BNP sit-in protest at Lakpass. Fortunately, no other casualties occurred. The attacker had reportedly attempted to flee after a protestor chased him. Protestors also apprehended an alleged security officer disguised in civilian clothing and carrying a firearm at the protest site.
March 28:
- Extrajudicial Killing of a Previously Abducted Youth: Anas Barkat, a young Baloch shopkeeper, was killed by military. His mutilated body was discovered in the Kech River after he had been forcibly disappeared by Pakistani intelligence on October 2, 2024. His custodial murder marks the ninth such killing in March 2025 following eight similar cases reported in Awaran.
- Arrest of a Political Activist: Police arrested Imran Baloch during a protest organized in Hub for the release of the BYC leaders. He was subsequently detained in Gadani Prison.
- Security Forces’ Attack on the BNP’s March: The Balochistan National Party’s (BNP) march, organized to demand the release of BYC leaders, was blocked and attacked by security forces at Lakpass, preventingentry into Quetta City. According to the organizers, more than 250 BNP members were arrested during the crackdown.
March 27, 2025:
- Denial of Family Visit to Sammi Baloch: The mother and sister of Sammi Baloch were denied access to visit her at Artillery Maidan Police Station. Her lawyer publicly condemned this violation of her right
- Sindh High Court Notice on Sammi’s Detention: Human rights lawyer Jibran Nasir filed a petition in the Sindh High Court challenging Sammi’s detention under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Act. The court issued notices and scheduled a hearing for April 7, 2025.
- Arrest of Baloch Protestors in Taunsa Sharif, Punjab: Punjab police violently dispersed a peaceful protest in Taunsa Sharif in support of the detained BYC leaders, arresting several participants. Ten of the arrestees remain in custody.
March 26, 2025:
- Nadia Baloch’s Press Conference: Nadia Baloch addressed a press conference at the Quetta Press Club, condemning the unlawful detention of her sister, Dr. Mahrang Baloch. She emphasized that Mahrang is a political prisoner, not a criminal.
- Family Visit and Health Concerns for Mahrang and Beebow Baloch: The parents of Beebow Baloch visited her at Hudda Jail and reported that both Dr. Mahrang Baloch and Beebow were in deteriorating health. The family raised concerns about mistreatment, denial of healthcare, and constant surveillance in their cells.
- Transfer of Bebarg Zehri to District Prison Quetta:
- Despite receiving bail, Bebarg Zehri was transferred to District Prison Quetta under the MPO Act. Authorities refused to comply with the court’s bail order.
- Live Police Firing on Protesters: Police opened live fire on peaceful protesters in Quetta during a demonstration escalating fear of state violence.
- Attacks on the Two Prominent Human Rights Defenders: An anti-terrorism court in Quetta declared Mama Qadeer, Vice Chairman of Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP), and Hooran Baloch, General Secretary of VBMP, as “proclaimed offenders.” Their names were publicized in the media without prior legal notice.
- Arrest of a Local Journalist: Mohammad Usman, a local journalist based in Quetta, was arrested from a mobile store during a raid by personnel in military uniform. CCTV footage circulating on social media shows uniformed and plain-clothed officers entering the shop and taking him away. He was released later.
March 25, 2025:
- Discharge and Rearrest of Detainees in Karachi Protest: A Civil Judge ordered the release of detained activists, including Sammi Baloch. However, immediately after her discharge, Sammi was rearrested under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Act.
- Police Raids in Quetta: Police carried out a series of house raids across various areas of Quetta, abducting multiple individuals.
- Abduction of MBBS Student and His Father: Khalil Ahmed (60), a farmer, and his son Naveed Baloch (25), an MBBS student at Swabi Medical University, were abducted by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) during a raid at 1 AM . Bot were taken to an undisclosed location.
- Raid on BYC activist, Gullzadi Baloch’s Room: CTD Police broke the lock on Gullzadi Baloch’s room causing damage and confiscating her belongings, including books, a laptop, documents, and clothes. Her phone and other materials had already been previously seized.
March 24, 2025:
- Forced Abduction of Underage Baloch Girl: Muzlefa Qambrani, 17, daughter of Ehsan Ullah, was detained by Police from Quetta.
- Police Live Firing on Protesters in Quetta: A peaceful protester was shot in the leg by police during ongoing demonstrations.
- Attack on BYC Protesters in Panjgur: A peaceful BYC rally held in Panjgur was violently attacked by police.
- Abduction of Baloch Poet Nabeel Ahmed: Nabeel Ahmed (26), a poet, was forcibly disappeared by intelligence agencies at 5 AM from Do Beest o Panja, Gwadar.
March 23, 2025:
- FIRs Filed Against BYC Leaders: FIR 1: Filed at Sariab Police Station, accusing BYC leaders and human rights activists, of chanting anti-state slogans and blocking roads.
- FIR 2: Another FIR charged the same group with inciting protests considered hostile to the state.
- Police Attack on BYC Protest in Hub Chowki:
Police used batons and tear gas on a BYC-led protest, injuring at least fifteen people, including women. Several protesters, including Imran Baloch, were arrested
March 22, 2025:
- Arrest of Dr. Mahrang and Beebow Baloch: Police violently cracked down on a sit-in protest at Saryab Road, Quetta, seizing the bodies of those killed in earlier shootings. Dr. Mahrang Baloch and Beebow Baloch, along with other protesters, were forcibly disappeared and later transferred to Hudda Jail.
- Firing and Grenade Attacks on Protesters: Police used grenades, tear gas, and live ammunition against protesters on Saryab Road, leaving many injured.
- Injury of Two Minors in Turbat: In Malikabad, Turbat, two minors—Awais (son of Abdul Qadir) and Ayaan (son of Munawar Ghani)—were injured when unknown armed men opened fire on protesters.
March 21, 2025:
- Police Attack on BYC Sit-in and Killing of Protesters:
Police launched a violent assault on a BYC sit-in in Quetta, killing three and injuring many others. - Killed Victims:
- Nehmat, a 13-year-old boy
- Habibullah
- Imdad
- Injured:
- Numerous protesters, including women and children
March 20, 2025:
- Abduction of Bebarg Zehri and Dr. Hammal Baloch: During a pre-dawn raid in Quetta, CTD police forcibly abducted Bebarg Zehri and his brother Dr. Hammal Baloch.
- Abduction of Dr. Ilyas Baloch: Ilyas Baloch, a respected psychiatrist and Vice Principal at Bolan Medical College, was abducted during a military raid on his home. He was taken along with his son, Adil Ilyas, and Kifayat Ismail. They were all later released on March 21.
- Raid on Nosheen Qambrani’s House:The home of Nosheen Qambrani—a professor, poet, and singer, and the sister of abductee Nasir Qambrani—was raided by CTD police. The officers caused significant damage and seized personal items.
March 19, 2025:
- Police Crackdown on Families of the Disappeared: Police used force against families of missing persons protesting at Civil Hospital, Quetta. The families were demanding identification of the bodies of their disappeared loved ones.
- Raids in Karachi: Police launched raids and abductions in Maari Poor, Yunus Abad Muhallah, and other Baloch-populated areas of Karachi.
- Abductions in Dera Bugti: Several individuals, including Ali Baig, Jamal, Pirjan, Ali Khan, Darra, Dawood, and Haidar, were abducted during raids.
- Arrest of a Human Rights Advocate: Saeeda Baloch, an activist, was arrested by police at Civil Hospital Quetta while attempting to identify the bodies, claimed to be killed in rescue operation alongside her sister. She had been actively protesting the abduction of her family members in 2021. She was released on bail on March 21, 2025.
March 18, 2025:
- Unidentified Bodies Buried Without Identification: Security forces brought multiple dead bodies to Civil Hospital in Quetta. Thirteen bodies were buried at Kasi Graveyard during the night without any public identification process.
March 17, 2025:
- Abduction of Activist Nasir Qambrani: Nasir Qambrani, a resident of Quetta, was abducted by CTD personnel during a raid on his residence in Killi Qambrani. This marked his second abduction; he was previously disappeared in 2015 and released in 2018.
March 16, 2025:
- Mass Abductions in Noshki, Including Minors: Eleven individuals were abducted by Pakistani forces in Noshki, including three minors. The abductees included Hafiz Shakoor, Umar Shah, Tahir Khan, Mohd Usman, Zubair Ahmed, Atta ur Rahman, Jalil Ahmed (resident of Kalat), and Sanaullah (resident of Quetta). The minors—Zia-ur-Rahman, Adnan, and Liaqat—were released after several days; the rest remain missing.
- Military Shelling in Bolan: The military conducted shelling operations in the Khambadi, Rekmi, and Kertha areas of Bolan, accompanied by a heavy troop presence.
March 15, 2025:
- Repeated Abductions in Dera Bugti: Security forces abducted Ali Baig, Jamal, Pirjan, Ali Khan, Darra, Dawood, and Haidar.
- Discovery of Dead Bodies: Ameer Baksh was found dead in Hub. Additionally, two unidentified bodies were discovered in Mastung.
- Abductions in Noshki and Mastung: Altaf Jamaldini was abducted from Noshki, and Nadir Jan from Kadkocha, Mastung.
- Killing of Shah Jahan, Brother of Disappeared Student Leader: Shah Jahan, brother of Zahid Baloch, a disappeared student leader, was assassinated in Naal, Khuzdar allegedly by state-backed death squads. His family stated that Shah Jahan had no political affiliation and was merely a businessman. His assassination marks the state’s prolonged policy of collective punishment.
March 14, 2025:
- Targeted Abductions in Balochistan:
- Khadim Baloch and Faheem Baloch were abducted from Samungli Road, Quetta.
- Ehsan Zadin was abducted from Washbod, Panjgur.
- Faisal was abducted from Parom, Panjgur.
- Ongoing Military Operation in Bolan:
Security forces continued search and shelling operations in Khambadi, Rekmi, and Kertha, Bolan.
March 13, 2025:
- Military Operations in Bolan: Major operations were launched in several parts of Bolan. Security forces blocked key roads during the action.
- Widespread Abductions:
- Zahid from Rekhposht, Pasni
- Abid Hussain from Bartel, Machh
- Basit from Gwadar
- Meer Basheer Ahmed and Meer Naseer Ahmed from Zero Point, Gwadar
- Forcible Disappearance of Journalist: Asif Kareem Khetran, a journalist from Barkhan known for covering human rights abuses, was forcibly disappeared by military personnel. He was later released.
March 12, 2025:
- Abduction of a Young Professional: Naseebullah (26), son of Nizar Muhammad, was abducted by CTD officials from Killi Muhammad Hasni, Quetta, at 11 AM. He worked as a property dealer.
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