By 
29-02-2024
Angelique van der Burgh
Pakistan Researcher,
Global Human Rights Defence
The Caretaker Prime Minister, Anwaar-ul-Haw Kakar, asserts that Balochistan is fighting to form its own new state [1]. On Wednesday, the PM appeared before the high court in the case of the missing Baloch students [1]. The case refers to a specific instance within Balochistan of enforced disappearances. Unfortunately, enforced disappearances have been occurring throughout the year [2]. The Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances has reported 2,572 active cases of enforced disappearances in 2024 alone [2]. The PM claims Baloch activists and militant groups must be dealt with differently than ordinary citizens [1]. However, the cases of enforced disappearances bring into question the legality of their use against civilians. The Balochistan movement has an extensive and rich backstory. There has been a Balochistan independence movement since 1948, when Pakistan gained independence from the British Empire [3]. Thus, the struggle in Balochistan is not new, but the methods through which the Pakistani government is attempting to contain the movement are expected to adhere to human rights standards and laws. The current Caretaker PM claims Pakistan did not play a role in the enforced disappearances of Baloch citizens and students [4].
Sources and further readings:
[1] Yousafzai, A. (2024, February 28). We are facing an armed struggle in Balochistan, PM Kakar tells IHC. Geo News. https://www.geo.tv/latest/532926-pm-kakar-appears-before-ihc-in-missing-baloch-students-case accessed 29 February 2024.
[2] Ng, K. (2024, February 3). Pakistan: Marching for the thousands who disappeared in Balochistan. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68125590 accessed 29 February 2024.
[3] Javed, F. (2024, January 19). Pakistan-Iran strikes: Where is Balochistan and why is it being targeted?. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68035478 accessed 29 February 2024.
[4] PM denies state responsibility for baloch missing persons. Daily Times. (2024, February 29). https://dailytimes.com.pk/1174771/pm-denies-state-responsibility-for-baloch-missing-persons/ accessed 29 February 2024.
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