During the first six months of 2026, at least 28 Baloch Sukhtbars were killed and 8 others injured in documented incidents across different parts of Balochistan.
These incidents resulted from shootings and vehicle pursuits by military forces, road traffic accidents, and the explosion of landmines planted in border areas.
According to Kolbarnews, citing the Balochistan Human Rights Documentation Network, during this period at least 12 Sukhtbars were killed as a result of direct gunfire or vehicle pursuits by military forces, while 3 others were injured. In addition, 16 Sukhtbars lost their lives in road accidents and 4 others were injured.
The report also records two children under the age of 18 among those killed.
According to the report, one Baloch Sukhtbar was also killed by the explosion of landmines planted in border areas.
The report further states that military forces opened fire on the vehicles of Sukhtbars in four separate incidents that did not result in any deaths or injuries. In two additional incidents, armed individuals and robbers opened fire on Sukhtbars, resulting in the death of one Sukhtbar.
In the analytical section of its report, the Balochistan Human Rights Documentation Network emphasizes that Sukhtbari is not a voluntary choice for Baloch citizens but rather the direct consequence of severe economic hardship, structural deprivation, and the lack of sustainable employment opportunities in the region.
According to the report, many Baloch citizens are compelled to engage in this high-risk occupation in order to provide for their families because of unemployment and underdevelopment.
The report goes on to state that Sukhtbars are constantly exposed to dangers including shootings, vehicle pursuits, vehicle rollovers, road accidents, landmine explosions, and attacks by armed individuals. This situation has resulted in dozens of deaths and injuries over recent years.
The human rights organization concludes by emphasizing that the continued security-based approach to Sukhtbari, without addressing its underlying economic and social causes, has not reduced the number of such incidents and continues to place the lives of Baloch citizens at serious risk.