Fact Sheet: State Crackdown on Peaceful Activists Following the Jaffer Express Train Attack
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Fact Sheet: State Crackdown on Peaceful Activists Following the Jaffer Express Train Attack

April 4, 2025

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:

 

 

May 5:

  •  Delayed release of BYC Leaders: Following the hearing on Monday, May 5, 2025, the BYC stated that the Balochistan High Court “has continuously employed delaying tactics” regarding the cases its leaders, including Dr. Mahrang, Sabghatullah, Bebgar Baloch, Beebwo Baloch, Gulzadi Baloch, and hundreds of others for the past two months.” The statement read, “Our leaders were once again presented before the court, and the government lawyer failed to provide any evidence or arguments. In principle, [the court] should have honourably our leaders today [May 5]. However, once again employing delaying tactics, the court bench issued orders to release all individuals detained across Balochistan under Section 3 of MPO but postponed the cases of [its leaders and members until May 6, 2025, instructing the government lawyer to present evidence by then.”
  •  Continued Harassment of Bebarg’s Family: According to Hammal Khan, the brother of BYC Leader Bebarg, “After illegally detaining [him] for 40 days and still keeping [my] brother Bebarg Baloch in jail, the police were once again patrolling near [our] home [on May 5].” He added, “This ongoing harassment of Bebarg’s family must end.”

 

May 4:

  •  Statement from Dr. Mahrang’s Sister: Nadia Baloch stated, “We [families of the detained BYC leaders and members] believe that the Home Department and the government are complicit in the illegal detention of Dr. Mahrang and the entire leadership of BYC. We sought justice from the court against these unlawful actions, but instead of delivering justice, the court handed over authority to the same government that oppresses us.” She further said that even “after an entire month, the Department extended their detention for another month under the 3 MPO,” which they challenged in the court. According to her, “After hearing all arguments, the court instructed the government lawyers to present evidence against the detainees at the next hearing, stating that the court would release them if the government failed to provide evidence. However, during the following hearing, the government’s legal team once again failed to present evidence or arguments.” Yet, the detainees remained in illegal custody.
  • Ongoing Collective Punishment of Beebow’s family: According to Beebow’s brother, Balakh Sher, their father “has been unjustly imprisoned since April 5, 2025, for standing up for his people and their rights. His only crime is speaking the truth. The world must know the injustices faced by those who dare to stand for their rights.”
  • According to Beebow’s brother, Balakh Sher, their father “has been unjustly imprisoned since April 5, 2025, for standing up for his people and their rights. His only crime is speaking the truth. The world must know the injustices faced by those who dare to stand for their rights.”
  • Allegations of Torture in the Presence of Quetta DC:” Balakh Sher claimed that “Assistant Commissioner Quetta [City] Captain (R) Abdullah Bin Arif was present when ISI agents tortured Beebow.” Sher added that this officer “is the same one who previously arrested Dr. Mahrang and Beebow.”
  • Balakh Sher claimed that “Assistant Commissioner Quetta [City], Captain (R) Abdullah Bin Arif, was present when ISI agents tortured Beebow.” Sher added that this officer “is the same one who previously arrested Dr. Mahrang and Beebow.”
  •  Public Campaigns for the Release of BYC Leaders Continue: The BYC organized a seminar in the Turbat City where Dr. Sabiha stated, “If the state believes it can eliminate the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, it is merely an illusion. BYC is not just a name but a movement that lives in the heart of every conscious Baloch. As long as the Baloch people exist, BYC will continue to live on.” She expressed that her purpose in attending the seminar was to “break the atmosphere of state-imposed fear.” Dr. Baloch urged “the public to share their stories, pain, and issues with the BYC platform so that their voices can resonate throughout society and worldwide.” She criticized ” Propaganda platforms like Voice of Balochistan, a state-sponsored online group, which operates with millions of funds to suppress the Baloch voice.”

 

 May 2:

  •  Continued Tortures against Beebow and Her Transfer back to Hudda Jial:  According to the BYC, police and intelligence agencies severely tortured Beebow at the Pishin Jail and subsequently brought her to the Combined Military Hospital in Quetta in critical condition at around 10 PM on May 2. Beebow’s health conditions remain extremely critical as she has been on hunger strike since April 24, and has endured continuous physical and psychological torture during her detention. Medical reports indicate that she has “developed acute kidney injury (AKI), likely triggered by rhabdomyolysis—the rapid breakdown of muscle tissue due to excessive trauma. Despite her deteriorating condition, the military reportedly transferred Beebow back to the Hudda Jail from the hospital without proper treatment in the early morning on May 3 at 5 AM.

 

May 1:

  •  The Authorities Denied Beebow’s Legal Team to Meet Her: According to Balakh Sher, his sister’s “legal team was not allowed to meet her at Pishin Jail” on May 1st. Important legal documents needed to be signed, and submitted to the courts. However, despite the legal team’s denial of access, other people, including two teams of doctors, were permitted to enter the jail. Beebow Baloch’s health has deteriorated to a critical level. She is the only female prisoner in Pishin Jail and is being held in complete solitary confinement with no access to medical facilities, newspapers, or any sources of information. Furthermore, she has not been formally informed of the charges against her.

 

April 29:

  • Continued Protests for the Release of the Imprisoned Leaders: The BYC organized protests across Balochistan, including in Karachi, demanding the release of its detained leaders and activists. Protests were held on April 29, 2025, in the following locations:
  • BYC Press Conference at Karachi Press Club: Sammi Deen, a member of BYC’s Central Working Committee, held a press conference, at the Karachi Press Club. She briefed the media on the recent crackdown on the BYC, the arrest of its leaders, reports of custodial torture, and the unofficial restrictions imposed on political activities across Balochistan. (Press Conference in Urdu).

 

April 28, 2025

 

April 27:

 

April 26:

  • Critical Health Condition of the BYC Detained Leaders:According to BYC, “Bebarg Baloch is in critical condition as he continues his third day of hunger strike inside Quetta Jail. Bebarg — who was already paralyzed before his arrest — now faces severe medical deterioration. Family members who visited him on April 26 confirmed that he is suffering from severe hypotension and repeated loss of consciousness. His physical condition is rapidly declining, and he urgently needs hospitalization. Yet, the police are refusing to transfer him to a hospital, putting his life at grave risk.”
  • Nadia Letter to the Chief Justice of Pakistan Supreme Court: Nadia Baloch wrote to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to draw his attention to the continued harassment of the BYC leaders and activists in Hudda and Pishin district prisons. She appealed to the CJ to “urgently intervene to ensure the safety and security of these peaceful rights activists, and to direct the Hudda District Jail administration to uphold their rights as prisoners.” Nadia stated that Dr. Mahrang “is subjected daily to mental tortureand coercion to abandon her peaceful movement.”
  • Violation of Pakistan Constitution:Nadia also highlighted that the detention and treatment of BYC leaders violate the following constitutional provisions:
  • Article 4: Guarantee to be treated in accordance with the law.
  • Article 9: Protection of life and liberty.
  • Article 14: Inviolability of dignity and protection against torture.

She further stated that the authorities have also violated Rules 939, 940, and 1065 of the Pakistan Prison Rules, 1978.
Moreover, under Sections 167(5) and 167(7) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (CrPC), female prisoners cannot be transferred between detention facilities without court approval.

 

April 25:

  • Beebow’s cousin Sister’s Heart-rending Appeal: “They are in severe pain; I can’t bear all this. I salute their courage — even after so much violence, not even a sigh. I can’t bear to seeMahrang, Gulzadi, and Beebow in pain. They have to support their backs just sit up. We came to the Pishin jail from Huda Jail in this condition. We were kept hungry and thirsty for three hours. God will surely hold these oppressors accountable.”
  • Police Attack on Peaceful Protestors: The police in Karachi disrupted the protest organized by the BYC in Malir. Footage shared by local journalists and activists shows the security forces harassing the protestors inside a bus and attempting to abduct a young boy. “The police took an entire bus filled with protesters into custody.” According to the BYC, “ In Gaddani and Uthal, Police forcibly stopped protestors before they could even begin their peaceful demonstrations. Meanwhile, in Karachi, as protesters from Malir were en route to join the scheduled rally in Fakeer Colony, they were arrested by Sindh Police directly from the protest bus.”  Footage shows a protester with a bloodied
  • FIR against Protestors in Karachi: The Karachi police registered an FIR against the protestors of the April 25 demonstration at Mominabad Police Station. The FIR alleges that the protestors chanted against the Pakistani authorities and the country’s “national institutions.” It also claims that the protestors “threw stones and blocked the road” at Faqeer Colony, Sector 10, and Orangi Town, Karachi.
  • Police Torture on lawyers: “Waqar Baloch and Tahir Mehmood have been detained and tortured. According to Tahir, after his lawyer friend Waqar’s request, he “went to the Mominabad [police] station. We asked for the FIR number, [registered] against Sammi and enquired about its entry from the duty officer at the station. Deputy Officer, with 20 other people together, attacked me. [The police] beat me, Waqar Baloch and two other lawyers for around one hourand kept us in unlawful detention.” The video he shared shows torture signs on his body.
  • Police Torture of Lawyers: Lawyers Waqar Baloch and Tahir Mehmood have been detained and tortured. According to Tahir, after his lawyer friend Waqar requested assistance, he “went to the Mominabad Police Station. We asked for the FIR number registered against Sammi and inquired about its entry from the duty officer at the station. The Deputy Officer, Along with 20 other people attacked me. The police beat me, Waqar Baloch, and two other lawyers for about an hour and kept us in unlawful detention.” A video shared by Tahir shows signs of torture on his body. Standing outside the station, Waqar testified about “the hooliganism and thuggery committed the police,” including the torture of himself and other friends. He stated that his “senior lawyer, Tahir Mehmood, has been subjected to severe violence” and that his “condition is critical.”  Tahir remain in police custody (NEED TO BE CONFIRMED)
  • Standing outside the station, Waqar testified about “the hooliganism and thuggery committed by the police,” including the torture of himself and other friends. He stated that his “senior lawyer, Tahir Mehmood, has been subjected to severe violence” and that his “condition is critical.” Tahir remains in police custody.
  • Quetta Protest: The police also disrupted and harassedBYC protestors during their demonstration.
  • Arrest of a journalist: According to local media, the FIA arrested journalist and social media activist, Bayazid Kharoti, and presented him before a court on April 25, 2025. The court granted the FIA a one-day physical remand. He is allegedly “accused of spreading propaganda against state institutions and publishing hate material on social media.” The FIA stated that investigations are ongoing and the might request further physical remand from the court. Reports indicate that security forces have harassed and attacked the journalist multiple times in the past.

 

April 24:

  • The detained leaders of the BYC began a hunger strikeafter the CTD and other security forces allegedly tortured them at  Hudda Jail on April 23, 2025. During the incident, Beebow Baloch was separated from Mahrang and transferred to Pishin District Jail. According to Mahrang’s sister, Nadia Baloch “Leaders of the Baloch YakjehtiCommittee launched a hunger strike against alleged mistreatment while in custody.”  Mahrang’s lawyer Imran Baloch stated that BYC central leaders Saghbatullah Shah, Beebarg Baloch, Gulzadi Baloch, and around hundred supporters also joined the hunger strike on the nights of April 24.
  • Call for Further Protests:The BYC announced a series of 20  protests across Balochistan, including in Karachi, scheduled for April 25.

 

April 23:

  • Abduction of another Student Leader: The Karachi Rangers and police abducted Javid Musafir Baloch from his residence at Blaze Tower in Gulistan-e-Johar, Karachi, during a raid at 3 a.m. on April 23, 2025. Javed is the chairman of the Baloch Students Front (BSF) and a law student at Karachi University. According to the Baloch Students Front, their chairman “is a peaceful, talented, and upright student leader who has always strived to educate youth and advocate for students’ rights and constitutional and democratic values.” The enforced disappearance of Javed Baloch has created an atmosphere of fear and panic in academic circles, leaving many students mentally distressed and feeling unsafe.”
  • Torture of Detained Leaders:On April 23, the families of the jailed BYC leaders reported that the CTD forcibly entered the Hudda Jail and tortured the detainees,  attempting to abduct them.  They stated that the  “Counter Terrorism Department (CDT) attempted to forcibly abduct Mahrang, Beebow, and Gulzadi” from the Hudda Jail. The CTD reportedly took Beebow with them, while Mahrang and others resisted. Following the incident, the family members of imprisoned leaders rushed to the Hudda Jail, but security forces denied them access, preventing them from confirming the detainees’ safety and well-being.
  • Government’s Statement on Beebow’a transfer: According to reports, a Balochistan government official informed a journalist that “Beebow was separated from Mahrang to psychologically torture Mahrang in an attempt to pressure her into signing certain agreements.”  The official also revealed that due to the “mounting international pressure, particularly from the European Union.” Beebow has been separated from Mahrang and “transferred to Chaman jail.”

 

April 20:

  • Threats against a Journalist: Niaz Baloch stated that he had received “threats from Pakistani intelligence agencies, including threats of being forcibly disappeared.” He remarked, “Anyone who dares to speak against oppression and injustice is either disappeared or killed by so-called ‘unknown persons.'” He appealed to the international community for safety and protection.

 

April 19:

 

April 18:

  • Police Harassment of the Family Protesting at Quetta Press Club: On April 18, 2025, the family members of the detained BYC leaders set up a protest camp in Quetta demanding the release of the detainees. However, according to the BYC, “the police attempted to dismantle a peaceful protest camp organized by the families of political prisoners outside the Quetta Press Club.” BBC Urdu also reported that “the Quetta district administration did not allow members of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee to set up a protest camp outside the press club.”

 

April 17:

  • Minister’s Defamatory Comments against Sammi Deen: During a TV interview, Sarfaraz Bugti, the province’s Chief Minister (CM), alleged that the BYC leader, Sammi Deen, had “burned the flag of Pakistan.” He claimed that he can provide the journalist with the footage showing Sammi “burning the flag.” In response, Sammi rejected the minister’s allegation, stating: “To discredit our peaceful movement, lies and media propaganda have always been the only tools used. None of the accusations made against us so far have been proven. Yet, the false propaganda refuses to stop.”

She openly challenged the CM “to present this video to the nation. Tell [the public] when, where, and on what occasion [she] did” burn the flag. “If [the minister] can prove his accusation, I will surrender myself to the law and face any legal consequences.” Sammi also posted on  X, “if he cannot present evidence (which he absolutely cannot), then he must immediately resign.”

 

April 16: 

  • Crime of Collective Punishment: Abduction and Killing of a Political Activist’s Son: Farooq Baloch, son of Noor Ahmed Mengal, was forcibly disappeared from Khuzdar on April 14, 2025. Two days later, on April 16, his bullet-riddled body was found dumped in Naal, Khuzdar. The victim’s father, Noor Ahmed Mengal, is the Vice President of Balochistan National Party Khuzdar. At the time of his son’s abduction and killing, he was participating in the BNP’s sit-in protest at the Lakpaas. The abduction and murder are allegedly attributed by the Pakistani security forces.
  • The BNP Ends Lakpaas Sit-In Protest: After 20 days, the BNP concluded its sit-in protest, organized to demand the release of the BYC’s leaders on April 16, 2025. The protest organizer stated, “This decision was made solely out of concern for the people of Balochistan, who have been severely affected by the road blockages.” However, the party announced serious protests to be organized across Balochistan in the coming days.
  • Detained Activist’s Letter from the Prison Detailing Torture: BYC activist, Gulzadi, wrote a letter from prison detailing the torture she endured. She stated that security forces “dragged and tried to throw [her] into the vehicle, and someone hit [her] three times with the butt of a gun and slammed the door shut while hurling abuses.” Upon arrival at an undisclosed location, “two personnel tied [her] hands behind her back, and took her “into a room where several people attacked [her] with hateful words.” She reported that the security personnel did not allow her to move her hands and feet “even slightly” and inflicted physical abuse by “punching” her “in the stomach and face, “kicking” her, and causing  her to “fall to the ground,” resulting in  “intense pain” throughout her body.

 

April 15:

  • Abduction of Two Students: Shokat(21), son of Sakhi Bakhsh, was abducted from his native home in Babbar Shoor Pasni on April 15, 2025, at around 4:00 pm. Sher Khan (18) son of Nizar and also a resident of Babar Shoor, was abducted from Jusak, Kech district, in the early morning at 1:00 am on the same day. Both victims are students, and according to the BYC, they were abducted by  CTd.
  • BYC Press Conference on Mahrang Baloch Detention and Pressure on the Judicial System:The BYC stated that the police did not provide any reason when they abducted Dr. Mahrang. However, the Quetta administration informed the media that she had been detained under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO). The BYC argued, the government violated Section 3 of the MPO 2011 Act by failing tot “notify” Mahrang regarding her arrests as well as the legal requirements outlined in Sections 3 and 6. Therefore, the BYC demanded that the notification issued by the Deputy Commissioner be declared illegal and void.

 

April 14:

 

April 13:

  • Death threats to a Baloch Journalist: Javed MB Baloch, a local journalist from Gwadar, Balochistan, has received threats from an unknown phone number due to his reporting. Javed is the editor of the Gwadar-e-Tawar, the Voice of Gwadar, a Balochi-language digital media network that also reports in English and Urdu.
  • On the night of April 13, 2025, he received several missed calls from an unknown number on his WhatsApp. When he did not answer the phone, a screenshot shared showed a local number, +923162054869, asking him to “call.” The caller introduced himself as “Irfan from PCG [Pakistan Coast Guard].” When Javed eventually answered, the alleged agent threatens him, in Urdu, for sharing the news of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee BYC’s protest, announced for the release of the BYC leaders, and scheduled to take place in Gwadar on April 13, 2025.
  • Harassment of Mahrang and Her Colleagues at the Jail: According to the BYC, “Over the past two days, a team from Pakistani intelligence agencies—operating under the guise of local police—has been relentlessly harassing BYC organizer Dr. Mahrang Baloch, senior leaders Bebagr Baloch and Shah Jee Baloch, and our activists Gulzadi Baloch and Beboow Baloch, who are currently incarcerated in Hudda Jail, Quetta.”
  • Police Beaton Charged the BYC protestors: Police in Hub Chowki attacked and assaulted the protestors who were demonstrating to demand the release of the BYC leaders.
  • Karachi Police Attacks on BYC Protestors: “In a blatant act of repression, police violently dispersed the protest and opened fire on peaceful demonstrators.
  • The Lakpass Sit-in Continues: The Balochistan National Party (BNP-Mengal) announced a multi-party conference (MPC) “amid a deadlock in negotiations with the government, which has refused to permit the long march demanding the release of Dr Mahrang Baloch”.
  • Failed talks with the government: The president of the BYC informed the media that “three rounds of talks” have taken place with the government, but none have yielded any meaningful resolution, reflecting the government’s indifference.

 

April 12:

  • BYC announced further Protests: On April 13, the BYC announced it would hold “protests and sit-ins across Balochistan against the arrest of the leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee.”

 

April 11:

 

April 8:

  •  Continuation of Military Raid on the BNP’s Sit-in: the Pakistan Military continued its heavy presence and restrictions to intimidate and stop the mass public sit-in protest at the Lakpass.
  • Security Forces Severely Tortured Detained BYC Activist, Gulzadi: According to the BYC, its activist, Gulzadi, was abducted on April 7 during a security raid in Quetta, was “brought to Hudda Jail, Quetta, at around midnight. The BYC says, “she was subjected to hours of brutal torture at the hands of CTD male officers,” before her bringing her to the jail.
  • Four More Extrajudicial Killings by the Security Forces: the tortured bodies of previously abducted three Baloch youths were discovered in the Samand Khan area of district Barkhan. “The victims were identified as Haq Nawaz Buzdar, Gul Zaman Buzdar and Shero Buzdar, all residents of Musa-Khel.”  Another youth, Nadir Baloch, a resident of Kandhari, Mashkay, was abducted on April 6, 2025; his dead body was “found dumped with bullet wounds” in Mashkay.
  • The killing of a teenager and injury of three others: Bahadur Shafeeh, the brother of Baloch Academic and lecturer, Muslim Shafeeh, was killed, and three other youth, Suhail, Shayad, and Farhan, were injured allegedly by a state-sponsored death squad group’s members in Punjgur, Balochistan. The Pakistani government also placed the Baloch academic, Muslim Shafeeh, on a Fourth Schedule list last year.

 

April 7:

  •  Abduction of Another Baloch Student: a 23-year-old student, Nizam Baloch, a resident of Liaqatabad, Mashkay, Awaran, was abducted by the CTD and intelligence agencies from A-One City on Brewery Road in Quetta.

April 6:

 

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:

 April 1:

 

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:

 

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, preventing entry 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.

 

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.

 

Contact Information

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Last updated on May 10, 2025