Muzaffarabad / Rawalakot — Serious concerns have emerged over the reported disappearance of two young men from Pakistan-administered Kashmir, who were allegedly taken into custody in Rawalpindi several days ago and have since remained unaccounted for, according to their families.
The individuals, identified as Rizwan Maroof and Mushahid Maroof, belong to Union Council Hamrota, Tehsil Balouch, Sudhanoti district. Family members say both men were detained under unclear circumstances approximately four days ago, after which all contact with them was lost.
As of the time of reporting, no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered, neither individual has been presented before a court, and no official statement has been issued by any state institution regarding their whereabouts or legal status.
Families Express Deep Distress
Relatives of the missing men say they are living in a state of extreme anxiety and emotional distress, uncertain whether their loved ones are safe or where they are being held. Repeated attempts to obtain information from authorities, they claim, have yielded no clear response.
Legal experts note that prolonged incommunicado detention, without disclosure of charges or judicial oversight, raises serious constitutional and legal concerns.
Constitutional and Human Rights Implications
Under the Constitution of Pakistan, particularly Articles 4 (Right of individuals to be dealt with in accordance with law), 9 (Security of person), and 10 (Safeguards as to arrest and detention), any person taken into custody must be informed of the grounds of arrest and presented before a court within a legally defined timeframe.
Human rights advocates emphasize that enforced disappearance, if proven, constitutes a violation of both domestic constitutional protections and international human rights norms, including principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Although the missing individuals are reported to be Kashmiris and not Pakistani citizens, legal observers stress that fundamental rights such as the right to life, liberty, legal protection, and human dignity are non-derogable and apply to all persons without discrimination.
“No state or institution has the lawful authority to detain or disappear any individual without due legal process,” said a human rights lawyer familiar with constitutional law.
Broader Concerns and Historical Context
The reported incident has revived broader concerns about a pattern of alleged enforced disappearances in the region. In the past, similar allegations have been raised by families from Pashtun and Baloch communities, cases that have drawn national and international scrutiny.
Observers warn that if such practices expand to other regions or communities, including Kashmiris, it could further erode public trust, deepen political alienation, and intensify social unrest.
Kashmir and the Principle of Self-Determination
Analysts also note the symbolic sensitivity of such incidents in the context of Kashmir. Historically, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, stated that the future of Kashmir should be determined by the free will and consent of the Kashmiri people, not through force or coercion.
In this context, rights advocates argue that fear, intimidation, or unlawful detention of Kashmiris stands in contradiction to those foundational principles and stated commitments.
Calls for Transparency and Legal Accountability
Families of Rizwan Maroof and Mushahid Maroof, along with civil society voices, are urging the Government of Pakistan and relevant authorities to clarify the situation without delay.
They demand that:
If any charges exist, they should be made public,
The individuals should be produced before a competent court immediately, and
All proceedings should follow transparent and lawful procedures.
Appeal to Civil Society and Media
Human rights defenders are calling on journalists, legal professionals, civil society organizations, and social media users to raise awareness about the case and press for accountability.
They emphasize that ensuring the safe, lawful, and immediate recovery of the two men is not only a legal obligation but also a moral and humanitarian imperative.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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