Balochistan Faces Rising Crisis as Another Young Man Disappears in Pakistani Custody
Ashfaq Mushtaq’s Disappearance Highlights Ongoing Pattern of Enforced Disappearances in Balochistan
Balochistan, Oct 13 : once again in the spotlight for human rights violations as young Ashfaq Mushtaq reportedly went missing under Pakistani custody, becoming the latest victim of a long standing pattern of enforced disappearances in the region.
According to posts on X, security personnel, along with local collaborators, raided Mushtaq’s residence earlier this month and abducted him without explanation. His family remains uninformed about his whereabouts, raising fears about his safety.
This tragic event compounds the suffering of the Mushtaq family, which has already endured previous losses. In May 2025, Ashfaq’s uncle, Lala Lateef, was allegedly shot dead by Pakistani forces at his home. Earlier, in March 2025, Ashfaq’s cousin Saif Lateef and eight other relatives were abducted in Mashkai, Balochistan, and later found dead in remote areas a grim testament to systemic violence in the region.
Human rights organizations highlight that Baloch identity itself has often been treated as a punishable trait. Thousands have disappeared over the years, leaving families in constant fear and uncertainty. Pakistan’s military presence in Balochistan has created an environment of intimidation, where activism, dissent, or cultural pride can result in abduction or death.
Ashfaq Mushtaq’s disappearance underscores the persistent oppression faced by the Baloch people, a humanitarian crisis that continues largely under international radar. Families affected by these disappearances endure ongoing trauma, as global attention remains limited.