The Balochistan government has instructed families to immediately report if any of their relatives go missing or join non-state or militant groups, with a warning of strict legal action for non-compliance. According to an official notification from the Home Department, families must provide this information within seven days and submit a sworn affidavit disowning relatives involved in militancy. Failure to do so will result in legal action under anti-terrorism laws.
New Title: Penalties for Families Aiding Militants
The notification directs that citizens, parents, and guardians must inform the nearest police station and FC/army unit within one week if a family member goes missing or is found to have joined any non-state or militant group. Furthermore, details of individuals already missing must also be submitted within seven days under Sections 118 and 202 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), read with Section 11(1)(EEE) of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), 1997. Similarly, families of those who have already joined militant outfits must file a sworn affidavit of separation and disownment within a week, in line with Sections 120/120-A of the PPC, read with Section 11(1)(a)(EEE) of the ATA.
The notification warns that if families fail to report a missing person or refuse to disown them, and it is later established that the individual was involved in terrorism, the family will be treated as abettors or facilitators under the ATA. Their names may also be placed on the Fourth Schedule under Sections 107, 109, and 114 of the PPC, read with ATA provisions. The Home Department cautioned that facilitators will face severe legal consequences, including the confiscation of property, dismissal from government service, and the denial of all state financial and welfare benefits.
