Impact Policies strongly condemns the ongoing and systematic human rights violations occurring in Pakistan’s Balochistan province under the guise of counter-terrorism operations. These violations, recently detailed in a communication by United Nations Special Rapporteurs and Working Group mandate-holders to the Government of Pakistan, paint a grim picture of state-led repression and unchecked abuses.

The February 18, 2025, UN communication highlights disturbing reports of arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, torture, extrajudicial killings, and the targeting of human rights defenders and Baloch civil society. These practices not only violate Pakistan’s domestic legal obligations but also contravene international human rights norms and treaties to which Pakistan is a signatory.

Impact Policies echoes the UN’s urgent concerns over:

• Arbitrary Arrests and Custodial Abuse: Baloch activists and civilians reportedly face detention without due process, with increasing evidence of torture and custodial deaths.

• Enforced Disappearances: A sharp rise in enforced disappearances, used as a tool to silence dissent, has devastated families and undermined the rule of law.

• Excessive Force on Peaceful Protesters: Security forces have reportedly used violence and intimidation to suppress peaceful protests, including those organized by families of the disappeared.

• Misuse of Anti-Terror Legislation: Human rights defenders are being labeled as “proscribed persons,” with travel restrictions and internment proposals further eroding basic freedoms.

• Censorship and Internet Blackouts: The deliberate restriction of media and internet access in Balochistan continues to obstruct transparency and accountability.

The failure of Pakistan’s Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (COIED) to deliver justice underscores a broader climate of impunity. Impact Policies is particularly alarmed by the continued lack of accountability for security forces implicated in grave abuses.

We urge the international community, including the United Nations Human Rights Council, U.S. lawmakers, and EU institutions, to:

1. Demand full transparency and accountability from the Government of Pakistan regarding enforced disappearances and extrajudicial actions in Balochistan.

2. Support independent investigations into alleged human rights abuses and advocate for the protection of Baloch activists and journalists.

3. Apply diplomatic and legal pressure, including sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for systematic violations.

Impact Policies stands in full solidarity with the victims, families, and human rights defenders in Balochistan. We reiterate the UN’s call for Pakistan to uphold its international obligations and immediately cease the use of counter-terrorism laws as instruments of political repression.