Pakistani Journalist Abdul Latif Baloch Killed in Front of Family in Balochistan
A brutal incident has taken place in Balochistan province of Pakistan. Prominent Baloch journalist Abdul Latif Baloch was murdered in an extremely savage manner by armed groups allegedly backed by the government. The incident occurred on Saturday in the town of Mashkay in Awaran district. According to news agencies, assailants broke into his home and shot him dead in front of his wife and children.
Abdul Latif Baloch had earned recognition as a fearless journalist committed to exposing the truth. He highlighted the suffering and struggles of the Baloch people through his reports. In a region where speaking the truth often results in deadly consequences, his reports reportedly angered the authorities. Experts have alleged that this murder is part of Pakistan’s so-called “kill and dump” policy—a systematic campaign to suppress dissent and undermine Baloch identity.
Reports indicate that several months ago, Abdul Latif Baloch’s son Saif Baloch and seven other family members were allegedly taken into custody by security forces and later killed. Many expressed anguish, describing this as a stark example of families being targeted in the ongoing violence.
Enforced disappearances and targeted killings have intensified recently in Balochistan. On May 17, a man named Yunus Rasool was reportedly abducted at midnight by Pakistani military forces, tortured, and killed. His body was found the following day. Similarly, a young man named Sajid Baloch, also from Awaran district, was reportedly abducted, tortured, and murdered, with his body dumped beside a road.
“These are not isolated incidents. The Pakistani government is implementing a repressive strategy without regard for constitutional rights. In the name of security, they are trampling the lives of Baloch citizens,” said a Baloch activist.
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has appealed to the United Nations, international media outlets, and press freedom organizations to immediately respond to these atrocities. It expressed concern that citizens, students, workers, activists, and even children in Balochistan are under imminent threat from state-sponsored violence.