Haji Abdul Razzak Sarbazi

Incident Description: Body Recovered

The body of missing journalist Haji Abdul Razzak Baloch was found on August 21, 2013 from Karachi. A copy editor for the Balochi-language newspaper Daily Tawaar, Baloch had been missing from Karachi since March 24, 2013. The Daily Tawaar, whose headquarters are based in Quetta, is a pro-Baloch nationalist newspaper. The paper is known for its coverage of the many conflicts between these groups and the government.

Baloch’s younger sister, Saeeda Sarbazi, identified the body as that of her brother’s by the clothes he was wearing when he went missing, and via his feet, as they were the only part of his body that were identifiable. The corpse was found from the outskirts of Karachi in the remit of the Surjani Town police station. Baloch’s family had alleged that he was picked up by the personnel of security forces while he was on his way to his office and despite approaching the police, courts, human rights organisations and the national press, they were unable to find any clue about his whereabouts till August 21.

His sister said that Baloch was a writer and had nothing to do with militancy. Speaking to PPF, then Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President Pervaiz Shaukat condemned the attack and demanded that the government institute an independent inquiry into the abduction and killing of Baloch. Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) President Irfan Saeed had said that it was alarming that journalists were being targeted and their lives were at stake while performing their professional responsibilities.

He also had said that there was a need for a comprehensive security plan and strategy so that they could work in a conducive atmosphere. No one had claimed responsibility, and the reason for his abduction and murder could not be ascertained.

Baloch's sister said the case has been closed and no one had been arrested.