Forced Disappearances in Pakistan: The Case of Mahrang Baloch

Written by Irfan Ali, Country Coordinator for Pakistan

• Introduction 

 
Forced disappearances have become a grim reality in Pakistan, particularly in regions like Balochistan. The systematic targeting of activists, political dissenters, and students has left thousands missing, with families desperate for answers. Among these cases is the disappearance of Mahrang Baloch, a prominent young activist whose ordeal highlights the worsening human rights situation in Pakistan. This blog sheds light on the broader issue of enforced disappearances and the plight of Mahrang Baloch, with a call for justice and accountability. 

• Understanding Forced Disappearances in Pakistan 

A report published by Human Right watch noted 8,463 cases of missing persons between 2011 and January 2024, and at least 10,078 enforced disappearances were recorded by the Pakistan Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (COIED). Of them, 3,485 took place in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and 2,752 in Balochistan. Figures by human rights organisations and families suggest higher numbers. While many remain disappeared, in other cases, the state after briefly abducting people releases them or uses draconian laws and trumped-up charges to silence them. In addition to these so-called resurfaced disappearances, there have been instances of the same person being repeatedly abducted by the state.   (Amnesty International, 2024). These disappearances are often linked to state security agencies operating beyond judicial oversight. Baluchistan, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are among the most affected regions. 

• The Impact on Families 

 
The families of the disappeared live in a perpetual state of trauma. Mothers, fathers, and siblings often protest for years, holding pictures of their loved ones, hoping for any information about their whereabouts. Many disappearances result in victims being tortured, while some families tragically discover their loved ones' remains in mass graves (Human Rights Watch, 2023). 

• The Story of Mahrang Baloch 

Mahrang Baloch, a vocal activist advocating for the rights of the Baloch people, became a symbol of resistance. She championed issues of justice, education, and human rights in one of the country's most conflict-ridden regions. Her courage in speaking out made her a target. In December 2024, Mahrang was reportedly abducted under mysterious circumstances. Her case sparked outrage among activists and human rights defenders who condemned the growing trend of targeting women activists in the region. Her disappearance highlighted a disturbing escalation in the crackdown on dissent. Mahrang Baloch was also prevented from leaving Pakistan to attend a ceremony in the United States, she reported on October 8 “I was unjustly stopped at Karachi International Airport with no legal or valid given reason, which is a clear violation of my fundamental right to freedom of movement," she wrote on X. 

• The Legal and Human Rights Crisis 

Enforced disappearances violate Pakistan's obligations under international law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Pakistan is a signatory. Despite constitutional guarantees, the judiciary has often been unable to hold security agencies accountable. Most of the families of forcibly disappeared people are also unable to seek legal support to locate their loved ones for socio-economic reasons, despite broad constitutional safeguards. Their protests demanding justice continue despite resistance and harassment from the state.  

• Calls for Reform 

 
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), have repeatedly urged the government to: 

1. Enforce safeguards for arrest and detention under Articles 9 and 10 and fair trial under 10A, and ensure Constitutional and ICCPR protections across the entire country.
2. Ensure accountability for perpetrators. 

2. Ensure that all proceedings comply with international fair trail standard with recourse to the death penalty. 

3. Full Implementation all provision of the Convention in law, policy and practice. 

• The Role of Women Activists 

Mahrang Baloch's case highlights the increasing targeting of women activists in Pakistan. Women who challenge the status quo face not only political persecution but also threats of gender-based violence. Their courage in demanding justice serves as a beacon of hope for the marginalized communities they represent. The disappearance of Mahrang Baloch is a stark reminder of the ongoing human rights crisis in Pakistan. It underscores the urgent need for legal reforms, accountability, and respect for human rights. As long as activists like Mahrang are silenced, democracy and justice will remain out of reach.It is imperative for the government to acknowledge the gravity of enforced disappearances and take concrete steps to end this practice. The voices of the disappeared and their families must be heard, and justice must prevail. 

 References: 

• “Enforced Disappearance in South Asia.” Amnesty International, 10 Sept. 2024, www.amnesty.org/en/projects/enforced-disappearance-in-south-asia/.  

• Human Rights Watch. (2023). Pakistan: End Impunity for Enforced Disappearances. 

• United Nations. (2023). International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Monitoring Report. 

• Gossman, Patricia . “Pakistan Court Holds State Responsible for Enforced Disappearances.” Human Rights Watch, 28 June 2022, www.hrw.org/news/2022/06/28/pakistan-court-holds-state-responsible-enforced-disappearances.