Disappearance a tool to curb dissent: HRCP

Published April 21, 2023
Screengrab of HRCP’s fact-finding report titled “Balochistan’s Struggle for Hope”. — HRCP
Screengrab of HRCP’s fact-finding report titled “Balochistan’s Struggle for Hope”. — HRCP

QUETTA: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan vice chairman has alleged that the state was using enforced disappearances on a large scale to suppress dissent.

Advocate Habib Tahir was addressing a press conference on Thursday on the launch of HRCP’s fact-finding report on rights violations in Balochistan titled “Balochistan’s Struggle for Hope”.

In the report, the commission expressed deep concerns over mounting public frustration in Balochistan on enforced disappearances, economic exclusion, curbs on press freedom and allegations of political manipulation by the establishment.

It also noted with concern the state’s widespread use of enforced disappearances to muzzle dissent.

Published in Dawn, April 21st, 2023

Opinion

Editorial

Sustainable path?
Updated 13 Jun, 2026

Sustainable path?

The FY27 budget is the first clear signal that the government is ready to transition from stabilisation to growth.
Prioritising education
13 Jun, 2026

Prioritising education

THOUGH the improvement in the country’s literacy rate may be slight, as highlighted by the Economic Survey, it ...
Poverty’s rise
13 Jun, 2026

Poverty’s rise

AS attention turns to the government’s plans for the coming fiscal year, one set of figures deserves particular...
A difficult story
Updated 12 Jun, 2026

A difficult story

Unless productivity becomes the dominant target of economic policy, Pakistan will continue to oscillate between crises and fragile recovery.
Rough waters
12 Jun, 2026

Rough waters

AMONGST the key potential triggers for fresh conflict in South Asia is water. The Indian state is behaving in an...
Politicised football
12 Jun, 2026

Politicised football

ALMOST three-and-half years since Lionel Messi led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory, the latest edition of...