On August 19, the Judicial Commission, headed by Justice Noor Muhammad Maskanzai of the Balochistan High Court (BHC), formed to probe the 13 mass graves discovered in Totak area of Khuzdar District on January 27, 2014, absolved the Armed Forces and Intelligence Agencies of responsibility in the case, reports Dawn. Chief Minister Malik Baloch had established the Commission to conduct an inquiry into the mass graves on February 1, 2014.
The report said, "No one has recorded any statement against the Armed Forces and Security Agencies." It further stated, "No evidence of involvement of Intelligence Agencies has been found in connection with the mass graves." The Commission recorded the statements of 57 individuals in connection with the case but stated that only witness number 38 had recorded statements against intelligence agencies but that could not be verified.
The Commission, however, mentioned that it was the core responsibility of the administration to protect the lives and properties of the people, and that the recovery of mass graves was the result of negligence on part of the civil administration. "There has to be no private check posts in the area," the report recommended, asking the Provincial Government to step up efforts to ensure rule of law in the region.
However, the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) has rejected the report and termed it an effort to conceal facts. "Security Agencies are involved in killing and dumping of people in Balochistan," Chairman VBMP Nasrullah Baloch said.