Balochistan, May 14 (ANI) — The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has welcomed recent observations by the United Nations Committee Against Torture, saying the findings underscore ongoing state-led crackdowns on political dissent, rights defenders and minority activists in Pakistan.
In a post on X, the BYC said the UN committee’s May 1 report corroborates long-standing allegations of enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, torture and systematic intimidation allegedly carried out against critics of the state.
The committee specifically expressed concern about the cases of several high-profile detainees and activists, including Mahrang Baloch, former prime minister Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, Idris Khattak and Ali Wazir. It also flagged reports that political prisoners and activists have been denied adequate medical treatment while in custody.
The UN body’s observations highlight allegations of torture, enforced disappearances, politically motivated prosecutions, harassment and reprisals targeting journalists, lawyers, protesters, civil society members and government critics across Pakistan.
The BYC said the findings mirror the accounts collected over years by victims’ families and human rights organisations, accusing Pakistani authorities of employing coercive measures to silence peaceful political voices, particularly in Balochistan. The group urged Islamabad to immediately end all forms of repression, review the cases of those detained for political reasons, and guarantee fair trial rights for every prisoner.
The BYC also called for independent accountability mechanisms to investigate allegations of torture and disappearances.
The UN committee’s observations arrive amid increased international scrutiny of Pakistan’s human rights record, especially concerning treatment of ethnic activists and opposition figures. Rights organisations have repeatedly accused state institutions of suppressing dissent in the name of national security — allegations that Pakistani authorities have frequently rejected.
The Baloch committee reiterated that lasting stability in Pakistan will depend on respect for human rights, freedom of expression and democratic accountability.
