ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances
(COIED) has received 125 new cases of missing persons in the first six months
of 2025, raising fresh concerns over the state’s ability to address involuntary
disappearances.
According to official figures, the number of new cases continues to reflect a
steady pace, despite repeated assurances from authorities to resolve this
long-standing human rights issue. Families of the disappeared continue to seek
answers and justice as many cases remain unresolved for years.
Since its formation in 2011, the commission has registered over 10,000
complaints. While a large number have been marked as “disposed of,
” human
rights advocates argue that many closures lack transparency and fail to hold any
individuals accountable.
Legal experts stress the need for stronger legislation and oversight mechanisms
to ensure that security agencies operate within the bounds of law. The Supreme
Court has also highlighted that only Parliament can put an end to this cycle
through robust legal reforms.
The rising number of complaints — even in 2025 — shows that enforced
disappearances remain a critical and unresolved challenge for Pakistan’s
democratic institutions.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.
