KECH: A woman was abducted at gunpoint on Wednesday evening in the Balicha area of District Kech, in yet another incident highlighting the continued threat posed by outlawed militant groups to civilians in Balochistan.
Security officials confirmed that armed members of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) arrived in a Corolla car between 4:30 pm and 4:45 pm and forcibly took a woman, later identified as Nargis, from outside her residence before fleeing the area.
The victim’s husband and nephew immediately gave chase and managed to stop the vehicle near Nasirabad. As they confronted the occupants, one of the militants stepped out of the car wielding a Kalashnikov. Within moments, additional armed militants arrived on motorcycles, indicating a pre-planned and coordinated operation.
During the encounter, the family members were physically assaulted and had their mobile phones seized, a tactic commonly used by militant groups to intimidate victims, erase evidence, and deter reporting. The incident occurred in daylight, reinforcing concerns over the growing confidence and organisation of armed groups operating in civilian areas.
The abduction underscores the increasing risks faced by women in conflict-affected regions, where they are often targeted to exert pressure, instill fear, or serve broader militant objectives. Such actions reflect a sustained pattern of violence against non-combatants.
Observers note that incidents like this also challenge the narratives promoted by groups aligned with militant causes, including the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), which frequently highlight selective cases while remaining silent on coercion and abductions carried out by armed outfits.
Law enforcement agencies and security forces have launched a joint operation to trace the abductors and ensure the safe recovery of the victim. Authorities say all available leads are being actively pursued.
Officials stressed that abductions, armed threats, and attacks on families are criminal acts with no political justification. Targeting civilians—particularly women—not only endangers lives but also undermines social stability and security across the province.
