Baloch activists and rights groups have condemned reported Pakistani airstrikes in Surab district, alleging that more than 30 civilians were killed…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Several Baloch activists and human rights groups have condemned reported Pakistani airstrikes in Balochistan’s Surab district that allegedly killed more than 30 civilians and injured several others.
Citing local reports, human rights defender Mir Yar Baloch alleged that the Pakistan Air Force carried out “indiscriminate bombing” in civilian areas of Gidar in Surab district, resulting in civilian deaths and damage to property.
“According to these reports, hospitals in the affected area have been surrounded by military personnel, while doctors and medical staff are being intimidated and prevented from providing timely medical care. Reports further indicate that some casualties occurred because injured civilians were unable to reach hospitals in time. Residents have also reported seeing drones and Cobra gunship helicopters continuing to patrol the skies over the area,” Mir posted on X.
The reports of casualties and military activity could not be independently verified.
Sabiha Baloch, a central leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), also condemned the reported attacks and accused Pakistani forces of restricting access to the affected area.
She described the reported deaths of civilians, including children, as “genocide”.
“The affected area is surrounded by Pakistani forces, restricting access for rescue teams, medical staff, ambulances, and journalists. Blocking humanitarian assistance and independent documentation compounds the grave human rights violations and demands immediate international attention,” Sabiha said in a post on X.
“I urge journalists, medical teams, humanitarian organisations, and people around the world to demand immediate access to the affected area, ensure medical assistance reaches survivors,” she added.
Meanwhile, human rights organisation Baloch Voice for Justice (BVJ) called for an immediate, independent and transparent investigation into the reported incident, with international monitoring.
“The identities and details of those killed and injured must be made public, and those responsible must be held accountable. Protecting civilians — particularly women and children — is a fundamental responsibility of the state, and all military operations must comply with international humanitarian law and the principles governing the protection of civilian life,” the organisation said.
BVJ also called on the United Nations, UN human rights mechanisms, the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union and other members of the international community to respond to what it described as “violence and war crimes” against civilians in Balochistan.
“Families affected by violence in Balochistan have a fundamental right to justice, protection, and the truth about what happened to their loved ones. The continued silence of the international community risks allowing such incidents to occur without accountability,” it said.
The allegations come amid continuing unrest and security operations in Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area, where armed separatist groups have for years carried out attacks against Pakistani security forces and other targets.
Pakistani authorities have previously maintained that security operations in the province are aimed at countering militant groups and restoring stability.
The latest allegations have renewed calls from Baloch rights groups for greater transparency over military operations and independent access to areas affected by violence.
