Balochistan Death Squads: Alleged Extrajudicial Killings Spark Outcry

In Balochistan, a government-backed militia allegedly shot dead Naeem Shay and his cousin Iqbal Hakeem. The Balochistan Post reports the incident as an example of rampant extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in the region, sparking outrage from rights groups and local activists.

In a troubling incident reported from Balochistan's Khuzdar district, a government-backed militia allegedly executed two young men, causing widespread concern. The Balochistan Post reveals that Naeem Shay, 29, and his cousin, Iqbal Hakeem, 19, were shot dead on their way to visit relatives in the Gresha Nadagi area.

Naeem, previously a victim of enforced disappearance in 2022, was detained with family members by Pakistani forces and later released. His cousin Iqbal, a student in the BA Education Department at the University of Karachi, had faced persistent harassment and was forced to abandon his studies due to constant threats.

These killings highlight a broader pattern of extrajudicial violence in Balochistan, where rights groups frequently accuse Pakistani security forces of supporting armed militias, or 'death squads,' to suppress dissent. Local activists are calling for accountability as authorities continue to deny involvement.

(With inputs from agencies.)