On May 16, 2026, gunmen assassinated Professor Muhammad Khan, an assistant professor of Brahui language, an indigenous tribal group of Balochistan, at the Government Boys’ Degree College.
Khan, who also wrote under the pen name Ghamkhwar Hayat Baloch, was a renowned poet, writer, translator, and essayist. He authored more than fifteen books, contributed widely to various literary genres, and co-founded both the Raskoh Literary Diwan and the Otan Culture Academy. Much of his work was written in Brahui, the language of an indigenous tribal group in Balochistan. Beyond his literary work, Khan was a prominent social activist who frequently engaged in public and cultural events.
The attack occurred at 11:30 a.m. when unidentified assailants opened fire on Khan as he was riding his motorcycle from his home. Police stated that he died on the spot and launched an investigation. Rights organizations and local activists allege the killing was state-backed; authorities have not addressed these claims.
Scholars at Risk is concerned about the targeted killing of a scholar and sends condolences to Mr. Muhammad Khan’s family, colleagues, and community. Authorities should take reasonable steps to prevent and respond to such attacks, including by investigating and holding perpetrators responsible, in accordance with international human rights standards. In addition to the harm to the victims, lethal violence of a university leader undermines academic freedom and democratic society generally.
Sources:
https://voicepk.net/2026/05/rights-groups-demand-accountability-for-killing-of-brahvi-poet-academic-ghamkhwar-hayat/
https://hrcbalochistan.com/hrcb-condemns-the-targeted-killing-of-professor-ghamkhwar-hayat-baloch/
https://x.com/balochistanpost/status/2055546569735164043?s=46&t=dOAjqFnMvAVUog9fBqfKlA
https://thebalochistanpost.com/2026/05/نوشکی-ڈیتھ-اسکواڈ-کی-فائرنگ-سے-معروف-بر/
https://x.com/bbcurdu/status/2055618956648493292?s=46&t=dOAjqFnMvAVUog9fBqfKlA
https://shaalnews.com/post/551
https://thebalochistanpost.com/2026/05/کوئٹہ،-نوشکی-پروفیسر-غمخوار-حیات-کی-یا/