Balochistan [Pakistan], April 13: In a disturbing development, a Baloch man identified as Akhtar, son of Akbar, was allegedly abducted by Pakistani security forces during a pre-dawn raid in Karachi’s Lyari neighborhood on April 11, according to reports from the Balochistan Post.
Eyewitnesses and family members claim that the raid occurred at around 4 AM, with security personnel entering Akhtar’s residence without presenting a warrant. He was allegedly taken into custody without explanation or formal charges, raising serious concerns about due process and the ongoing mistreatment of Baloch residents in Pakistan’s urban centers.
Since the incident, Akhtar’s family has received no official communication regarding his whereabouts or legal status. Human rights groups and activists have decried the incident as yet another case of enforced disappearance, a tactic widely criticized for its systemic use in Baloch-majority regions of Pakistan.
Activists have demanded Akhtar’s immediate release or a clear declaration of his status under the law. They emphasize that such operations fuel fear and mistrust, especially among ethnic and minority communities, and undermine public faith in legal and democratic norms.
The abduction follows the recent murder of a young boy, Saahil Gulab, in Gwadar district, which triggered a massive protest rally in Pasni, reflecting growing frustration and grief among Baloch citizens.
Enforced disappearances and extrajudicial actions remain a grim reality in Balochistan. Victims are often held without legal recourse, with some returning deeply traumatized, while others never return at all. The culture of impunity surrounding such cases continues to erode trust in the authorities, stifle dissent, and violate fundamental human rights, as echoed by regional and international watchdogs.