Mysterious Death of Young Man Israr Qalandrani in Police Custody Sparks Outrage in Quetta, Balochistan

Quetta, Pakistan (Special Report): The death of 24-25-year-old Muhammad Israr Qalandrani, a resident of Kachi Bagh in Quetta, while in police custody has triggered serious allegations of torture, illegal detention, and extrajudicial killing in Balochistan’s capital.
According to family members, Israr was arrested by New Sariab Police approximately 5-6 days before his body was found at Derakhshan Police Chowki. He was allegedly kept in unlawful custody without any formal charges, FIR, or court proceedings, and shifted between different police stations. His father, Muhammad Anwar, has accused police personnel of subjecting his son to severe torture and then staging the death as suicide. “They hanged my young son and are now calling his murder a suicide,” he stated.
Police officials claim that Israr committed suicide in the lockup. The post-mortem report, conducted by a police surgeon, reportedly shows ligature marks around the neck consistent with hanging, with no other visible signs of torture mentioned in official statements.
However, the family and local activists strongly dispute this version, pointing to the prolonged illegal detention and demanding an independent medical board for a fresh autopsy. They argue that the incident represents a blatant violation of human rights, due process, and the rule of law.
This case has highlighted ongoing concerns about custodial deaths in Balochistan, raising questions about police accountability, arbitrary arrests, and potential misuse of state power. Human rights advocates describe it as a dark stain on the justice system and are calling for immediate action to prevent such incidents.
Key Demands:
An immediate, transparent, and impartial judicial inquiry into the incident.
Suspension of all personnel at Derakhshan Police Chowki and registration of a criminal case against them.
Full protection and justice for the affected family.
Exemplary punishment for those found responsible.
The incident has deepened public distrust in law enforcement agencies in the region. Civil society and rights groups are urging the Balochistan government and higher authorities to ensure a fair investigation so that the truth emerges and accountability is upheld.
International observers and human rights organizations may monitor the case closely, as repeated reports of custodial deaths in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, continue to draw global attention regarding law enforcement practices and fundamental rights protections.