In an alarming episode reflecting ongoing human rights violations, the Baloch National Movement’s human rights wing, Paank, has denounced the targeted killing of Zakria Zaheer in Gwadar. Once a victim of enforced disappearance, Zakria’s life was cruelly cut short, underscoring the harrowing climate of fear that blankets the region. Paank’s statement powerfully illuminates the darker patterns of violence employed by authorities against those who dare to resist.
Posting on social media platform X, Paank expressed their grave concern, stating, “We are gravely concerned by the targeting of individuals who have been released after enduring the horrors of enforced disappearance.” They urged the international community to take notice of these violations, emphasizing that such actions infringe upon Pakistan’s commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Reports from the Balochistan Post reveal that Zakria Zaheer was a Levies Force employee, brutally killed by unidentified assailants in Gwadar after previously being abducted by Pakistani forces last September. This violent act provoked a storm of outrage across social media, igniting calls for justice against the backdrop of a troubling cycle of human rights abuses in Balochistan.
In their call for justice, Paank insisted on a need for an “immediate, transparent, and independent investigation” to identify and hold accountable those behind Zakria’s murder. They also urged the Pakistani government to halt its systematic harassment and violence against the Baloch people, reinforcing the need to uphold fundamental human rights for citizens in the region.
The tragic fate of Zakria Zaheer serves as a somber reminder of the need for urgent action. Paank’s passionate plea not only seeks justice for Zakria but also casts a spotlight on the countless individuals who endure grave human rights abuses. Silence can no longer be an option; a commitment to justice and human rights must be fostered in Balochistan.
The Baloch National Movement’s rights wing, Paank, condemned the killing of Zakria Zaheer in Gwadar, highlighting ongoing human rights abuses in the region. Zakria was previously a victim of enforced disappearance. Outrage over his murder has sparked calls for accountability and an end to violence against the Baloch people. Paank urged the government to conduct a transparent investigation into his death, reaffirming the need for justice.
The killing of Zakria Zaheer echoes a disturbing reality in Balochistan’s struggle for human rights. As actors like Paank shed light on these injustices, the demand for accountability becomes ever more pressing. In order to break the cycle of violence and intimidation, it is imperative that authorities respond with a firm commitment to justice and human rights, ensuring protection for vulnerable populations and an end to impunity.
The issue of enforced disappearances and targeted killings in Balochistan has become a focal point in the discourse surrounding human rights violations in Pakistan. Zakria Zaheer’s tragic story is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of violence and intimidation against individuals who resist state oppression. The ongoing struggle for justice highlights the urgent need for accountability within political and military spheres, echoing calls from human rights organizations and the affected communities themselves.
Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com
