4.5. Ethnic minorities

For the situation of PTM members and supporters, see Human rights defenders and activists, and Protesters.

Pashtuns are an ethnolinguistic group in Pakistan, primarily residing in KP and Northern Balochistan, with communities in Punjab and Sindh. They account for approximately 45 million people and represent about 15.4 % of the total population.

Pashtuns in Pakistan primarily live by a social code, known as Pashtunwali, which governs both ethical behaviour and custom. They are said to be considered ‘second-class citizens’ by the Pakistan Army which is largely dominated by the Punjabi ethnic group. Pashtuns accuse the Pakistani security forces in KP of committing serious human rights violations under the pretext of anti-militancy operations. Despite the ban, the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) together with political leaders call for the withdrawal of Taliban as well as security forces from the region.

The Awami National Party (ANP), a Pashtun nationalist political party, is geographically anchored in KP.

The severity and/or repetitiveness of other acts to which Pashtuns could be subjected to and whether they occur as an accumulation of various measures, should also be considered. More precisely, Pashtuns have reportedly faced harassment and surveillance by state actors. Others faced property seizure and forced displacement from their home.

• Occupation: journalists, students, human rights defenders, and political activists engaged in rights-based advocacy or criticism of state policies face a high risk, since there are reports of such individuals being targeted by the Pakistani authorities.

• Political background: the ANP members face a higher risk from militant groups including the TTP which has killed many of its leaders.

• Home area: the risk of being targeted by state actors is higher for Pashtuns living in areas of Tehreek-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and affiliated groups operations, namely parts of KP and Northern Balochistan.

• Community based activities: tribal elders, community leaders and other individuals involved in jirga (tribal assembly) or local peacebuilding face a higher risk due to threats from groups such as TTP and ISKP.

Baloch people, also known as Baluchi, constitute a group of tribes residing primarily in Balochistan province, and partly in Iran and Afghanistan. They are mostly Sunni Muslims, but between 500 000 and 800 000 among them, mainly located in the southern Makran coastal region, adhere to Zikrist practice. Baloch people retain a strong tribal culture. Since Balochistan's incorporation into Pakistan in 1948, various groups have pursued self-determination through political, diplomatic, and, in some cases, armed means, including the insurgent activities of the Balochistan nationalist groups.

The severity and/or repetitiveness of other acts to which Baloch people could be subjected and whether they occur as an accumulation of various measures, should also be considered. Reports describe that 32 Baloch individuals, including activists, have been placed on a terrorist watchlist under the Anti-Terrorism Act. They have been subjected to severe restrictions, including heavy surveillance, severe limits on their freedom of movement and ability to take part in public life, restrictions on travel outside designated areas without express permission from local police, and powers granted to authorities to investigate and freeze their financial assets or those of their immediate family members.

Zikris have been subjected to threats, fatwas, attacks on prayer sites, and restrictions on public religious expression, and are treated as second-class citizens or rebels by extremist groups including ISKP.

• Occupation: journalists, students, human rights defenders, and political activists engaged in rights-based advocacy or criticism of state policies face a high risk, since there are reports describing targeting by the Pakistani authorities.

• Community based activities: tribal elders, community leaders, and other individuals involved in local peacebuilding face a higher risk as they face threats from groups such as BLF and BLA who perceive them as aligned with the State.

• Religious background: Zikrist Baloch people face increased risk from extremist groups such as ISKP.

• Political background: BNP members may face a risk from extremist groups including ISPP which considers that ‘their nationalist and democratic style of politics’ violates Islamic law.

The core of Hazara community is located in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, especially in the neighbourhoods of Hazara Town and Mariabad. The overall number of Hazara people in Pakistan totals about 500 000. Some Hazaras who are entitled to Pakistani citizenship by birth have not managed to obtain it (EUAA COI product: Country Focus 2026, 6.1.1.).