Pakistan PM’s aide Rana Sanaullah admits innocent civilians may be detained during Balochistan security crackdowns as arrests mount after militant attacks, intensifying concerns over enforced disappearances, human rights violations, and the lack of a political solution to the province’s crisis.
A senior aide to Pakistan’s Prime Minister has acknowledged that innocent civilians may be detained during ongoing security operations in Balochistan, sparking renewed controversy over human rights abuses and the state’s handling of the long-running crisis in the province.
The remarks were made by Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PML-N) leader Rana Sanaullah amid heightened security measures following deadly clashes between Baloch insurgents and Pakistani security forces earlier this year. Sanaullah’s comments have drawn sharp attention as authorities continue a large-scale crackdown across Balochistan in response to militant attacks.
According to local media reports, at least 180 individuals were taken into custody during coordinated security operations carried out by the Frontier Corps and police across several cities in Balochistan. These operations were launched after multiple attacks were reported across the province on January 31, prompting Islamabad to initiate sweeping law enforcement action.
Speaking at a session titled “Is There a Political Will to Solve the Crisis in Balochistan” during the Asma Jahangir Conference, Sanaullah addressed concerns raised by fellow panelists regarding security checkpoints, enforced disappearances, and the treatment of civilians in the province. The session was moderated by senior journalist Mujahid Barelvi and featured prominent Baloch political leaders, including Balochistan National Party–Mengal (BNP-M) chief Akhtar Mengal and National Party leader Abdul Malik Baloch.
Responding to criticism of heavy-handed security measures, Sanaullah argued that the removal of checkpoints and relaxation of security controls would only be possible once militancy and violence were completely eliminated. He conceded, however, that security actions following militant incidents could inadvertently affect civilians.
“If incidents like January 31 happen, then security forces will take action, and there is a possibility that some of the people taken into custody could be innocent,” Sanaullah said, according to reports by Pakistani daily Dawn.
His admission comes against the backdrop of a worsening human rights situation in Balochistan, where activists and international organisations have repeatedly documented allegations of enforced disappearances, illegal detentions, and extrajudicial killings. These concerns have intensified following recent clashes between Baloch insurgents and state forces.
During the discussion, Abdul Malik Baloch identified insurgency and enforced disappearances as the two most critical challenges facing the province. He warned that the absence of a political solution had deepened public frustration and eroded trust in state institutions.
“Whenever I go to my area, four or five people come daily, complaining about a missing person,” he said, underscoring the scale of distress among local communities. He urged the state and political leadership to adopt a comprehensive and inclusive strategy rather than relying solely on security measures.
Baloch stressed that treating Balochistan purely as a security problem would further aggravate the situation. “If you deal with Balochistan as a security issue, then conditions would get worse by the day. If you involve political people and parties, then the situation may improve,” he said.
Recalling his time in the Pakistan Democratic Movement alliance, Baloch noted that political parties had previously agreed on reforms, including steps aimed at ending enforced disappearances. He called for structural political changes, fair transfer of provincial resources, and strict adherence to constitutional provisions such as the 1972 Constitution, the 18th Amendment, and the National Finance Commission Award.
BNP-M chief Akhtar Mengal echoed these concerns, describing the Balochistan issue as fundamentally political in nature. He accused successive governments of attempting to resolve the crisis through military operations rather than dialogue and warned that continued reliance on coercive tactics would only intensify tensions.
Tracing the historical roots of the conflict, Mengal referred to the original agreement between the Khan of Kalat and Pakistan’s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah, which he said had promised significant autonomy for Balochistan. He lamented that these commitments, along with subsequent agreements, were never fully honoured.
Mengal also cited past military operations, the killing of veteran Baloch leader Nawaz Akbar Bugti, and the persistent issue of enforced disappearances, noting that these developments had deeply affected families across the province, including his own. He further criticised recent political and electoral processes, alleging that mainstream Baloch leadership had been sidelined and that restrictions on political activity, media access, and civil liberties had increased.
Meanwhile, the Balochistan government has warned of possible legal action against relatives of individuals suspected of involvement in armed activities. Human rights organisations and local activists have expressed serious concern over this move, citing previous instances where family members of suspected militants were allegedly detained or forcibly disappeared.
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Reports in recent years have highlighted cases involving relatives of members associated with the Baloch Liberation Army. One such case involves the brother of BLA leader Bashir Zeb, who reportedly went missing after being taken from Quetta last year. Authorities have not issued any official statement regarding the incident.
As security operations continue, Sanaullah’s remarks have reignited debate over whether Pakistan’s approach to Balochistan prioritises stability at the cost of civil liberties, raising questions about accountability, political will, and the future of peace in the troubled province.
