A viral video from Balochistan showing a newlywed couple being shot for marrying without family consent has led to the arrest of 13 suspects, including tribal elders implicated in ordering the killings. The outrage highlights Pakistan’s ongoing battle with honor-based violence—Human Rights Commission Pakistan recorded 405 such murders in 2024, though experts suspect many go unreported.
Tragic TikToker killings spotlight gender violence. Earlier this month, two teenage girls, including 16-year-old from Quetta and 17-year-old influencer Sana Yousaf, were mercilessly murdered by their own families or acquaintances for defying conservative norms about social media usage. These cases have sparked national debate over patriarchal violence and called for legal reforms protecting women’s rights and expression.
Crackdown on Baloch activists intensifies. Balochistan has become a flashpoint for political repression: activist Gulzar Dost was allegedly abducted by CTD officers in early July, prompting protests from local civil society and international human rights groups. His arrest follows the continued detention of Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch, who was imprisoned in March after protesting state violence linked to the Jaffar Express hijacking.
International pressure mounts over enforced disappearances. Global human rights bodies, including Amnesty International and the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), have urged Pakistan’s prime minister to end harassment of Baloch dissidents and release unlawfully detained activists. A UN Human Rights Council briefing also condemned extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and the killing in custody of Baloch activist Kareem Jan.
Protests suppressed; new paramilitary amid political unrest. In response to unrest tied to Imran Khan’s party, the government announced the creation of a Federal Constabulary—effectively expanding internal security forces capable of suppressing protests—sparking concerns from rights groups about increased authoritarianism and clampdowns on dissent . Meanwhile, protests around enforced disappearance and Baloch rights continue despite fear of repression
Media freedoms under threat. Journalists remain at risk: over 32 media personnel have been summoned under the cyber-crime law (PECA), and at least seven have been killed in targeted attacks. Press unions warn this paints a chilling picture of press freedom in danger. These measures form part of a broader strategy to silence critics under the guise of curbing “propaganda.”
Civil society calls for deep reforms. With persistent human rights violations—from gender-based violence to enforced disappearances and protest suppression—civil society, political dissidents, and international bodies are demanding structural reforms. Key recommendations include repealing draconian laws, ensuring accountability for honor crimes, and restraining expanded security powers that could undermine democracy.
