The Balochistan Government has instructed citizens to immediately report any missing family members or those suspected of joining non-governmental groups and warns that failure to comply with this will invite strict trial under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
According to an official report from the home department, parents, siblings, guardians and relatives carry the legal and moral responsibility to inform the closest police station or relevant authorities if a family member disappears or is suspected of becoming a member of non-state or terrorist groups.
The home department issued the message through advertising in local newspapers, which made it clear that any delay or failure to report such disappearance will be treated as a criminal offense under section 202 of Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), read with § 11-E (1) in the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), 1997.
It warned that if a missed person was later found to be affiliated with terrorist organizations or involved in terror-related activities — including providing economic, logistical or house light support to terrorists-will face their family members. These cases will be prosecuted in accordance with sections 118 and 202 of PPC and relevant ATA provisions.
The home department emphasized that families withholding such information will be considered facilitators, accomplices or supporters of anti-state elements, and litigation will be performed in accordance with sections 7, 120A and 120b of PPC and § 11 (2). 1 (1) (EEE) in ATA.
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If it is found that a person proves to be in contact with hostile groups or involved in terrorism, their family members can also be booked in accordance with sections 107, 109 and 114 of PPC and section 11-E (1) and 11-F in ATA.
The government urged citizens to immediately report such cases to police stations or intelligence agencies. The message referred to relevant sections of ATA-Inclusive 11-W, 11-Q and 11-E (1)-authorized citizens and the state to act in national interest.
Issued “In General Interest,” the message reiterated that non-compliance will be treated as relief of terrorism and treated under Pakistan’s law on anti-terrorism.
