Pakistan Dictatorial Law Against Balochi Civilians, UN & Human Rights Organizations Silence Fuels Global Concern

In a disturbing new development, Pakistan has enacted the Anti-Terrorism (Balochistan Amendment) Act, 2025, a draconian law granting sweeping powers to security forces and intelligence agencies to detain civilians—specifically Baloch individuals—for up to three months without even the basic requirement of a court appearance. Worse, this legal tool of repression is valid for six years, and extendable.

The law, passed by the Balochistan Provincial Assembly, effectively transforms the province into a militarized zone where basic civil rights are suspended under the guise of national security. Using the newly inserted Section 11-EEEE into the 1997 Anti-Terrorism Act, state and military agencies can now detain “suspects” purely based on intelligence inputs or “reasonable suspicion.” No formal charges or trials are needed for up to 90 days—and extensions may be sought with little judicial oversight.

This legislative move is clearly aimed at silencing dissent in Balochistan, a province long scarred by disappearances, torture, and extra-judicial killings. The state’s continued labeling of political activists, students, and even journalists as “terrorists” has provided the perfect pretext for systemic abuse. Under this amendment:

• Detainees can be held in “rehabilitation or de-radicalization” centers without trial.

• Provincial officers or Joint Interrogation Teams (JITs) are empowered to conduct secret inquiries.

• Oversight boards—although composed partly of civilians—remain state-appointed, heavily influenced by military and police personnel.

• The law includes provisions for surveillance, family interrogation, and indefinite extension with provincial approval.

While Pakistani authorities claim the law enhances security and counters terrorism, in reality it institutionalizes already ongoing violations in Balochistan. It removes any facade of democratic procedure and legal rights in a region already under siege.

Deafening Silence from the United Nations

Despite the grave implications of this act, the United Nations and major international human rights organizations have remained shockingly mute. The enforced disappearances of thousands of Baloch civilians have been extensively documented for decades, yet international accountability remains virtually non-existent.

By refusing to speak out against this blatant weaponization of law against an ethnic minority, the global community risks becoming complicit. The UN’s passivity emboldens states like Pakistan to trample human rights under the banner of counterterrorism.

A Call for Action

This law must be unequivocally condemned. The world cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the slow genocide of the Baloch people. Pakistan must be held accountable for its actions, and international observers, rights organizations, and legal watchdogs must demand:

• Immediate repeal of the Anti-Terrorism (Balochistan Amendment) Act, 2025.

• Independent investigation into ongoing detentions and disappearances.

• International sanctions on officials and agencies involved in rights violations.

• A UN fact-finding mission to Balochistan to document on-ground atrocities.

Balochistan does not need more laws—what it needs is justice, freedom, and dignity. Until then, every silence is a betrayal of humanity.