34 individuals go missing in G-B since 2017

GILGIT: A total of 34 individuals including seven women have gone missing across Gilgit-Baltistan since 2017, police records show.

According to official data available with HUM News English, 27 of the cases involve men and seven involve women who went missing between 2017 and September 18, 2025, with Gilgit division topping the list with 24 cases.

District-wise data shows Gilgit and Ghizer each recording 10 active cases, making them the worst-affected areas in the region.

District-wise breakdown shwo Nagar district has three pending cases, while Hunza has reported one.

In the Baltistan division, nine cases remain open. Kharmang district leads with four cases, followed by Skardu with three. Ghanche district has two unresolved cases, while Shigar district has reported no missing persons cases.

The Diamer-Astore division has the lowest number, with just one active case originating from Diamer district. The data revealed that 2024 recorded the highest number of cases, with 12 still unresolved.

Five cases each are from 2021 and 2022, while three cases each are from 2023 and 2025. Two cases each were reported in 2019 and 2018, with one case dating back to 2017.

One case of alleged enforced disappearance pending since 2011 is also included in the list as a fresh report has been filed in the case

According to remarks on the data, Case FIR No. 16/2012, dated December 22, 2012, under sections 365/34 PPC, was registered at Police Station Jal.

Diamer police have attended several hearings at the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances directorate in Islamabad..

The cases of missing individuals in the region have gained public attention and sparked anger following the case of a missing teenage boy, Raja Kashan, who was allegedly murdered by his friends and dumped into the Gilgit river — a charge they deny.

Since then, the disappearance of a 15-year-old boy from Danyore, Gilgit, has also drawn significant attention. Irshad Hussain, a resident of Sharote in Danyore, Gilgit, has been missing since August 25, 2025.

Talking to HUM News English, Danyore Police Station House Officer (SHO) Inspector Imtiaz Hussain said that following a written application by his father, Muhammad Ibrahim, on August 27, 2025, regarding the disappearance of his son, Irshad Hussain alias Baba, a case under section 157 of CrPC was registered and investigation was initiated.

He said the boy had been missing since August 25; however, the family reported it on August 27. Hussain said that on September 11, when his father expressed suspicion of abduction, they registered a case under section 365 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Hussain said investigators thoroughly examined all available CCTV footage and have so far arrested five suspects. He said statements from close friends and companions of Irshad Hussain have been recorded, while the investigation is being carried forward professionally from various angles.

“There is a strong possibility that significant progress in this case will emerge soon,” he added.