On December 4, 2025, Pakistani security forces abducted Balach Bali, a computer science lecturer at Turbat University.

Uniformed security personnel intercepted Bali as he was traveling home from work. Despite contacting multiple authorities, his family received no confirmation of his detention, details of any charges against him, or information regarding his whereabouts for over 24 hours. A social media post by his sister confirmed his release the following day.

The abduction follows a pattern of enforced disappearances of Baloch activists, professionals, journalists, and students, often carried out by Pakistan’s intelligence agencies, army, or Frontier Corps. Students are among the most commonly targeted of these groups.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the temporary disappearance of a professor. While state security forces have a responsibility to maintain security and safety, they must also respect international human rights standards, including by refraining from discriminatory actions against students based on their identities. In addition to harm to the immediate victims, the disappearance of students undermines academic freedom and democratic society generally.

Sources:
https://balochwarna.com/2025/12/balochistan-pakistani-forces-abducted-turbat-university-lecturer-and-16-year-old-student/
https://x.com/BalochV4Justice/status/1996531647634604252
https://x.com/gazzibaloch1/status/1996867166453600646