Quetta
Baloch rights group Paank has criticized recent changes to Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act, which now grant sweeping powers to military and civil forces. Paank claims these amendments violate human rights and undermine the rule of law.
The Pakistani government recently gave security forces the authority to detain anyone suspected of planning an attack, sparking concerns amid ongoing abuses and enforced disappearances in Balochistan.
In a post on X, Paank argued that allowing detention based on mere suspicion breaches international standards for liberty and security, potentially leading to arbitrary arrests, torture, and other abuses. The group stressed that such laws threaten the right to a fair trial, a fundamental aspect of democratic societies, and could be used to silence peaceful protests, political opposition, and free expression.
Paank also criticized the lack of transparency in Joint Investigative Teams involving intelligence agencies, warning that it raises significant concerns over potential human rights violations without accountability. The group added that the new laws could severely limit freedom of assembly and expression, chilling civil society, journalism, and political activism.
Meanwhile, recent cases of disappearances in Balochistan have raised fears, with several young men reported missing after being detained by Pakistani forces. Human rights groups and local communities are calling for greater transparency and accountability from the government. The international community has also urged Pakistan to investigate these cases and address the issue of enforced disappearances.
