Balochistan: Pakistan Exposed, EU Exposes Islambad's State-Sponsored Violence and Enforced Disappearances

The European Union has released a scathing report on Pakistan’s human rights record, directly naming Balochistan as the main target of state violence, missing persons cases, and harsh military operations.

The findings come from an EU review to decide if Pakistan can keep its duty-free trade perks, which bring billions of pounds into its struggling economy. To keep these benefits, Pakistan has to prove it is following international human rights agreements.

For India and the rest of South Asia, the report brings international attention to the long-standing crisis in Balochistan, showing exactly how the Pakistani military uses force to silence locals and block news from getting out.

Kidnappings and Crackdowns

A huge part of the EU report focuses on Balochistan. It points to a sharp rise in illegal killings, police violence against peaceful rallies, and the systematic kidnapping of Baloch activists, students, and journalists by state authorities.

The report singles out the harsh treatment of local civil rights groups, especially the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC). European observers detailed how the state used rubber bullets, tear gas, mass arrests, and roadblocks to stop peaceful marches against illegal detentions and extrajudicial deaths.

Secret Military Courts and Internet Blocks

Away from Balochistan, the EU also warned that Pakistan’s democratic systems are falling apart. The report openly condemns the government's decision to try civilians in secret military courts, noting that these trials deny people basic legal rights and completely bypass normal civilian judges.

To keep these actions out of the news, the state has tightened its grip on the internet. The EU criticised the government for shutting down mobile networks during protests and installing heavy digital firewalls to spy on internet users and block criticism online.

Trade Perks at Risk

This international pressure leaves Pakistan in a dangerous spot. With its economy close to collapse, the country desperately needs these European trade deals. However, the EU has made it clear that the free trade benefits will be cut off unless Pakistan stops the kidnappings in Balochistan and stops putting civilians on trial in military courts.