Balochistan is the largest province of Pakistan in terms of area and endowed with abundant natural resources, yet it continues to witness immense hardships among its people. Among the numerous challenges confronting the province, enforced disappearances stand out as one of the gravest and deeply troubling issues. For many years, this practice largely affected Baloch men. However, in recent times, even Baloch women have become victims of the heinous crime.
In Baloch society, women are regarded with profound respect and dignity. They hold a central place within the family structures. Therefore, their victimization of enforced disappearances is an extremely serious and alarming issue. The act of taking a woman from her home by “unknown individuals” – largely alleged as law enforcement agencies – and moving her to an undisclosed location are not only a violation of her fundamental human rights, but also an assault on deeply-rooted cultural values.
While the disappearance of any individual causes distress, but the disappearances of women create greater fear and anxiety for their families as concerns extended beyond their safety to her dignity and honour. They become a mode of collective disappointment in the society, causing chaos, unrest and instability.
Several Baloch women have also fallen victims of enforced disappearances over the years. The following cases highlight the severity of this ongoing crisis. Zarina Marri was reportedly disappeared in 2005 from Kohlu. More recently, Mahjabeen Baloch was taken from Quetta on 29 May, 2025. Nasreen Baloch was disappeared on 22 November, 2025, from Hub Chowki. Rahima Baloch on 9 December from Dalbandin. Similarly, Farzana Baloch was reportedly taken on 1 December, 2025, from Khuzdar. Another deeply troubling case is that of Hair Nisa Baloch and Hani Baloch, who were disappeared on 20 December, 2025, from Hub Chowki. Hani Baloch is eight months pregnant. Her disappearance is not only a violation of her personal safety but also a profound threat to her unborn child making her case especially distressing. Hazira, however, went disappeared and released soon after, but rest are sorting their way out to come back safely.
Considering all the above-discussed cases, it become relevant to ask for timely and impartial inquiry on the grave issue to ensure accountability is best served. Enforced disappearances are a crime against laws of the land, international state commitments and the societal sentiments, norms and traditions. Baloch women should be given justice – NOW and on emergency basis.