April 19, 2022
2 mins read

Pakistani security forces torture Baloch people

Pakistani security forces have found a new way to torture the Baloch people…reports Asian Lite News

Pakistani security forces have found a new way to torture the Baloch people. Pakistan’s Frontier Corps (FC), which manages the border, forced Baloch drivers to abandon their vehicles and march in the hot desert

Over the last couple of days, social media footage showed many men, traders and drivers, lying in the desert in Chagai due to thirst and fatigue. The incident that happened in the Nokkundi area of Chagai district came to light a few days back during the month of Ramzan.

The drivers who survived the ordeal said that the forces seized their vehicles and poured sand in the radiators. The Pakistani security also took out the batteries from the vehicles and asked the drivers and traders to walk back in the scorching desert.

In another incident involving a Baloch driver, Pakistani forces opened fire on a vehicle killing the driver in Nokkundi. The driver, Hameedullah Baloch, was killed after security forces near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border signalled him to stop. According to The Balochistan Post, security forces opened fire after he disobeyed their orders to stop the vehicle.

The killings of drivers and traders over the last few days spawned numerous protests by people who blocked roads and even a freight train coming from Zahedan in Iran. The protesters blocked a road by placing Hameedullah Baloch’s body on the road. Eight protesters were injured after Pakistani troops opened fire on them.

The Baloch community enjoys cross-border relations with other Baloch people in both Afghanistan and Iran. With poor economic and livelihood opportunities in their own areas, many Baloch families survive only through cross-border trade.

Pakistani security forces came in for severe condemnation after the videos of bodies in the desert went viral.

ALSO READ: Pakistan launches airstrikes inside Afghanistan

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) issued a statement on the plight of the drivers. Hina Jilani, Chairperson HRCP, said: “The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) is alarmed to learn that a driver was killed allegedly by security forces in Chagai near the Pakistan-Afghan border while attempting to speed away in his vehicle when told to stop. Extrajudicial killings are unacceptable regardless of the circumstances and the perpetrators must be identified and held accountable.

Additionally, scores of drivers transporting goods across the border were reportedly deprived of their vehicles by security forces and left to fend for themselves in the desert. Many of them have still not been accounted for. The incident reflects a coldblooded disdain for basic humanity and the right to life”.

Significantly, the killings of the drivers and traders are taking place in Chagai district which is well known for being the mining hub of Balochistan. The world’s largest gold and copper mines, Reko Diq are located in Chagai. Even the Saindak mines with deposits of silver, gold and copper are located in the same region. This is one of the complaints by the alienated Baloch community that despite the rich deposits in their land, they are given second-class treatment by the Pakistani State.

Previous Story

Pak-Afghanistan rift widens with Taliban’s refusal to handover TTP militants after air strikes

Next Story

107 weapons recovered in E. Afghanistan

Latest from Arab News

Relief Rolls In, Restrictions Remain in Gaza

Israeli official noted an Israeli statement saying it would limit the number of aid truckloads entering the Gaza Strip to 300 daily…reports Asian Lite News Relief operations in Gaza have intensified since

‘A Day to Rejoice’

In its statement, British Friends of Israel saluted the courage and resilience of the hostages and expressed deep sorrow for those who did not survive captivity After 737 days of anguish, the

UK to Lead Gaza Rebuild

PM announces an additional £20 million aid package aimed at providing essential water, sanitation and hygiene services to tens of thousands of people Prime Minister Keir Starmer attended the signing ceremony of

Gaza Truce Signed, Key Players Missing

Sisi reiterated support for the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire plan, stressing that the agreement must be “solidified and all its phases implemented…reports Asian Lite News A document formalising the recently brokered

Hamas Frees Captives

The Israeli Air Force announced that it has completed its preparations to receive hostages returning from Gaza to Israel….reports Asian Lite News The Red Cross has taken custody of the first group
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Ethnic tensions rise in Pakistan after Sindhi youth murder

Bilal Kaka, a Sindhi youth was shot dead by Pathans

Security forces abducted dozens from Balochistan

In the past two weeks, especially after the attacks on