Balochistan in turmoil

A rapidly deteriorating security situation has led to continuous protests by the people in Pakistan's largest and resource-rich Balochistan province. The federal law and enforcement agencies, who the residents claim are responsible for the state, have failed to either restore peace or get them justice. Thousands of Baloch people have been missing for years. Their bullet-ridden bodies, most bearing torture marks are often recovered across the province. The victims' relatives and Baloch groups blame the `kill and dump' incidents on Pakistani security forces, particularly the Frontier Corps and the Intelligence agencies. The province was recently rocked by the abduction of two judges and 4 lawyers in separate incidents. The Supreme Court Bar Association President and human rights activist Asma Jahangir expressed concern over deteriorating law and order situation in Balochsitan and said the region's fire would engulf the entire country if not controlled.