Pakistan: BYC says activist Gulzadi Baloch “brutally tortured” by Pakistani authorities

Balochistan: The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a prominent Baloch human rights group, said Tuesday night that Gulzadi Baloch, an activist, had been “brutally tortured” by Pakistani authorities prior to being sent to Quetta’s Hudda prison.

BYC shared information in a post on X, stating that Gulzadi Baloch was removed by force by police and CTD personnel at about 8:00 PM on Monday night. Her whereabouts were unclear for hours after that.

BYC further claimed that Gulzadi Baloch was assaulted for more than four hours and subjected to torture by male cops.

BYC said that it will continue to be steadfastly dedicated to its mission and referred to these cruel acts against a lady as part of an “ongoing campaign of terror against peaceful Baloch resistance”.

Before being sent to Hudda Jail in Quetta, Gulzadi Baloch endured severe torture at the hands of CTD operatives. Around 8:00 PM yesterday night, CTD officials and police took our activist, Gulzadi Baloch, by force. Her whereabouts were unclear for hours. She was brutally tortured by CTD male officials before being sent to Hudda Jail, Quetta, at about 12:00 AM. She endured more than four hours of torment and physical abuse.

The state’s continuous campaign of terror against nonviolent Baloch opposition includes the cruel abuse of a female activist. For the brutality committed against our activist, we hold the state completely accountable. “We will not let these fascist tactics stop our movement,” BYC said on X.

Leading Pakistani human rights organisations Paank and the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) voiced their indignation on Tuesday over the purported kidnapping of BYC activist Gulzadi Baloch by Pakistani police.

BYC demanded Baloch’s immediate release in a post on X, calling her kidnapping another instance of “state repression” that targets nonviolent activists and voices of opposition.

Paank also conveyed sympathy on Gulzadi Baloch’s kidnapping.

State persecution, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary executions of activists, academics, and civilians are all problems in Balochistan. The area is neglected economically, has inadequate infrastructure, and has little political authority.

Local populations don’t gain much from its abundance of natural resources, and forced disappearances are still a common problem.