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March 16, 2025 – Pakistan –
Baloch journalist Asif Kareem Khetran, affiliated with the Barkhan Press Club in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, has been reported missing since March 15, 2025. Before his disappearance, Khetran had publicly alleged intimidation and threats from Pakistan Army officials, including being summoned to an army camp and having family members abducted. He also reported that his home was raided and his shop sealed by authorities, actions he believed were attempts to silence him.
Human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir expressed deep concern over Khetran’s disappearance, highlighting that he had informed her about the threats he faced since 2024. She emphasized the pattern of enforced disappearances in the region, where journalists and activists are often targeted.
The incident has sparked outrage among human rights organizations and press freedom groups, who are demanding Khetran’s immediate and safe return. Balochistan is considered one of the most perilous regions for journalists, with many facing harassment, threats, and enforced disappearances while covering sensitive issues related to human rights and security.
This case underscores the broader concerns about press freedom and human rights in Balochistan, where enforced disappearances and extrajudicial actions have been consistently reported by various organizations.
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