Quetta: Noted Balochi journalist Abdul Latif Baloch was shot dead in front of his family by suspected Pakistani-backed militia on Saturday morning. The incident occurred at his home in Mashkay, a conflict-ridden area in the Awaran district of Balochistan.
According to journalists and human rights groups, the area is a hotspot of activity by Pakistan Army-backed militia, engaged in abductions and killings.
Baloch was associated with the Daily Intikhab and Aaj News. He was a respected voice among the Baloch people, known for his fearless documentation of disappearances, military excesses, and civil resistance in the Balochistan province of Pakistan that has been demanding independence for long.
“Latif Baloch had been facing threats for long. This is part of Pakistan’s ‘kill and dump’ policy that targets journalists, activists, and intellectuals in Balochistan. Latif’s family faced tragedies earlier this year as well. In February 2025, four of Latif’s relatives, including his son Saif Baloch, were abducted and later killed. Their deaths remain officially unacknowledged and uninvestigated. Entire families are now being targeted for elimination,” a member of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee said.
The Committee, in a statement, called for the United Nations and global media watchdogs to intervene and hold Pakistan accountable for what they termed “crimes against humanity.”
Experts believe that the silencing of critical voices and curbing of civil liberties in Balochistan through brute force will only push up the resolve of those fighting for freedom. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claims to have killed hundreds of Pakistani soldiers over the last several months.
