Caretaker Balochistan Information Minister Jan Achakzai asserted on Wednesday that the situation concerning missing persons in Balochistan was being manipulated as part of an orchestrated campaign against the state.

During a press conference, Achakzai referred to the report by the Baloch Enforced Disappearance Commission, emphasizing its role in countering the missing persons' narrative. He highlighted the report's presentation before the Supreme Court, citing its impact in dispelling the propaganda surrounding missing individuals.

Quoting from the report, the minister disclosed that approximately 10,000 cases linked to enforced disappearances were registered, with nearly 8,000 cases resolved while around 2,200 cases remained pending.

Achakzai mentioned that in Balochistan alone, 2,752 cases were lodged, attributing factors such as individuals leaving without informing families due to the province's situation as a cause for these cases. He further stated that out of the reported missing persons, 2,200 individuals have returned, leaving 468 citizens still unaccounted for.

According to the report's findings, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa documented the highest number of missing persons, citing drone strikes and rising militancy as significant reasons behind the disappearances.

Highlighting the commission's efforts, Achakzai noted that numerous production orders had been issued, with some implemented while others remained pending execution.

In a controversial statement, Achakzai alleged that the issue of missing Baloch individuals was being manipulated as part of a concerted campaign against the state. He further claimed that Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a human rights activist associated with Baloch Yakjehti Committee's (BYC) camp in Islamabad, was seeking asylum abroad, likening her aspirations to those of Malala Yousafzai.