The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan expressed [6] concern over the deteriorating security situation, rampant rights abuses and ongoing political dysfunction in Balochistan province in a statement issued Aug. 30. The commission highlighted a continued pattern of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, with an alarming lack of government action in holding the perpetrators accountable. (Jurist [12])
The report comes four days after at least 73 people were killed in clashes between Pakistan's military and Baloch ethnic separatists as the insurgents launched a series of attacks across the province. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA [7]) claimed responsibility for the attacks targeting police and security outposts. The attacks, which made Aug. 26 the deadliest day in Pakistan in years, were timed for the anniversary of the death of Baloch leader Nawab Akbar Bugti, who was killed [8] in 2006 in a raid by the military. Former President Pervez Musharraf was put on trial [9] for the slaying, but he was acquitted [10] in 2016. (MEE [13])
Musharraf was convicted on other charges including high treason [14] and sentenced to death [15] in absentia in 2019. He died in exile [16] in the United Arab Emirates last year. Earlier this year, Pakistan's Supreme Court postumously upheld his death sentence. (LiveMint [17])
