Karachi [Pakistan], April 25: Human rights organization Paank has voiced serious concern over the alleged forced disappearance of Javed Baloch, a university student from Balochistan, in Karachi’s Gulistan-e-Jauhar area.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Paank stated:
“We express deep concern over the recent incident in Karachi, where Javed Baloch, son of Musafir Baloch and a resident of Malar, Awaran, was forcibly disappeared by state intelligence personnel…”
Javed was reportedly pursuing a Master’s in Political Science at Balochistan University and had previously enrolled in a law program at Karachi University. According to Paank, the abduction happened without any legal warrant or due process, making it a case of extrajudicial disappearance.
Not an Isolated Case
Paank highlighted that this incident follows a pattern of enforced disappearances targeting Baloch students and citizens in urban centers like Karachi. Many similar cases have been reported, with victims allegedly taken by state security and intelligence agencies without official acknowledgment or legal basis.
Such disappearances are considered gross violations of human rights, both under Pakistan’s Constitution and international conventions such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Pakistan is a party.
Calls for Immediate Action
Paank has demanded:
- Immediate disclosure of Javed Baloch’s whereabouts,
- A transparent investigation into his disappearance,
- Accountability for the personnel involved,
- Urgent reforms to end enforced disappearances and protect citizens’ rights.
This incident has amplified fears within the Baloch community and added to the growing scrutiny of Pakistan’s internal security practices.