Human Rights Council of Balochistan reports disappearance of student

The Human Rights Council of Balochistan (HRCB) has raised alarms regarding the reported enforced disappearance of Safia Baloch, a 20-year-old student from the Washuk district. According to the HRCB, Safia was allegedly taken from Quetta in the early hours of August 23.

Safia’s family has alleged that personnel from Pakistan’s Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) were involved in her disappearance. The HRCB noted that this incident reflects a broader pattern, claiming that 23 women were reportedly abducted by security forces between January and July 2026.

The rights organization highlighted other similar cases, such as the disappearance of Mahjabeen, a resident of Washuk who was reportedly taken from Quetta in May 2025. The HRCB has called on authorities to clarify the whereabouts of these individuals, provide legal grounds for any detentions, and ensure that those in custody have access to legal representation and their families.