Quetta, Pakistan: Leading human rights group Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has made serious allegations of state brutality against Baloch activist Gulzadi Baloch, stating she was “brutally tortured” by Pakistani forces before being detained at Hudda Jail in Quetta.
According to BYC, Gulzadi was forcibly abducted by officers from Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and police at around 8 PM on Monday night. Her location remained unknown for hours, raising serious concerns about her safety.
In a strongly worded statement posted on X, BYC alleged that:
“Before being brought to Hudda Jail, Gulzadi Baloch was physically beaten and tortured for over four hours by male CTD officers. This inhumane treatment of a female activist is part of the state’s ongoing campaign of terror against peaceful Baloch resistance.”
Widespread Condemnation and Demands for Justice
The Paank human rights group joined BYC in condemning the abduction and alleged abuse, expressing solidarity with Gulzadi and calling for her immediate release.
Both organisations stated that her treatment highlights a pattern of targeting female activists, intensifying concerns over the safety of women in the Baloch rights movement.
Backdrop of Baloch Struggle
Gulzadi’s case adds to a growing list of enforced disappearances and alleged extrajudicial actions by the Pakistani state in Balochistan, a region long plagued by:
- State repression and militarisation
- Economic marginalisation despite rich natural resources
- Lack of political autonomy
- Rampant disappearances of students, scholars, and activists
Human rights defenders claim that thousands have gone missing in recent years, with many believed to be held in secret detention or killed without due process.
Resilience Amid Repression
Despite growing threats, the BYC affirmed it would not be deterred by what it called “fascist tactics.”
“We hold the state fully responsible for the violence inflicted upon our activist. These fascist tactics will not deter our movement,” the group said.