ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Balochistan, one of Pakistan’s most volatile regions, witnessed two tragic attacks that left at least 13 people dead, further escalating concerns over the province’s worsening law and order situation. These violent incidents took place in Gwadar and Sohbat Pur on Thursday, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the area.
Gwadar Attack: Five Passengers Executed
In the first incident, five passengers were killed in a brutal attack in Gwadar’s Kalmat area. According to Gwadar’s Deputy Commissioner, Hamoodur Rehman, gunmen intercepted a Karachi-bound bus, forcing passengers off the vehicle and executing them on the spot. One of the injured passengers later succumbed to their injuries, raising the death toll to six. Police rushed the victims to Pasni Hospital for medical attention.
Authorities confirmed that one of the deceased hailed from Multan. While investigations are still ongoing, the attack is believed to be linked to the growing unrest in the region, which has seen a surge in violent incidents in recent weeks.
Sohbat Pur Attack: Family Killed in Land Dispute
The second attack occurred in Sohbat Pur district, where seven members of a family were killed. Police reported that unknown assailants opened fire on a house before setting it ablaze, killing the victims. Among the deceased were a woman and three children. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Yousaf Banghar revealed that the attack was connected to a land dispute between the victims and the attackers.
This horrifying incident highlights the ongoing tensions in rural Balochistan, where local conflicts often turn deadly.
Political Leaders Condemn the Violence
In the wake of these brutal attacks, President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the violence, calling the attackers enemies of Balochistan’s development and prosperity. He stated, “They cannot see progress in Balochistan.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives, particularly in the Gwadar attack. He instructed relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice. “The cowardly actions of terrorists against innocent people reflect their brutality,” said the Prime Minister, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring the best possible medical care for those injured in the attack.
A Week of Bloodshed in Balochistan
These incidents come just days after a series of deadly attacks rocked Balochistan. Last week, militants killed eight people, including four laborers and four police officers, in Kalat and Noshki districts. Earlier in the month, a bombing on a paramilitary convoy in the Nushki-Dalbandin area resulted in the deaths of five security personnel, with 35 others wounded.
Additionally, a large-scale assault by Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) militants targeted a railway track and the Jaffar Express, which was carrying over 440 passengers. While the Pakistani security forces launched a complex operation to neutralize 33 attackers and rescue hostages, the attack resulted in 26 casualties, including 18 security personnel and five civilians.
Ongoing Security Challenges
These attacks underscore the growing security challenges facing Balochistan, where insurgent groups and local conflicts continue to fuel violence. As authorities work to investigate these latest incidents, there is mounting pressure on the government to address the root causes of unrest in the province and ensure the safety of its citizens.
In the aftermath of these deadly assaults, the people of Balochistan are left grappling with fear and uncertainty, as the government pledges to intensify efforts to restore peace and order.
