LAHORE: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Tuesday condemned the recent cycle of abductions and manhandling of Baloch students from Karachi University.

In a press release, the commission said these students were allegedly picked up by law enforcement personnel and those who demand their release were roughed up and arrested.

In the case of two students who have just been released after pressure from their kin and civil society, it is noteworthy that their whereabouts remained unknown until the time of their release. Such enforced disappearances are not only illegal but inhuman.

HRCP also expresses concern over the excessive use of force on June 13 by Sindh police against the relatives, activists and friends of the disappeared students. These peaceful protesters, which included women and children, had gathered outside the Sindh Assembly to demand the safe recovery of their loved ones, but were met with violence and forcibly dispersed by the police.

“We reiterate our demand that enforced disappearances must be criminalised in line with International Convention for the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearance,” HRCP says.

Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2022