Eight Killed in Separate Shooting Incidents in Balochistan

In the first incident, militants targeted four labourers in Kalat district’s Mangochar city. According to the assistant commissioner of Mangochar, unidentified assailants opened fire on the workers in the Malangzai area, resulting in the deaths of the four labourers. The victims, who were borewell drillers, hailed from the Sadiqabad area of Punjab.

Levies personnel reached the site shortly after receiving information and shifted the bodies to the Rural Health Centre Mande Haji for medico-legal formalities.

In a separate attack, four police officers were shot dead when unidentified gunmen opened fire on their patrol vehicle in Noshki. The bodies of the slain officers were later shifted to a nearby hospital.

Leaders Condemn the Attacks

Reacting to the tragic incidents, President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his deep grief and sorrow, emphasizing the need for effective action against terrorist elements targeting unarmed workers. He condemned the attack as a heinous act and extended his condolences to the families of the victims.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the killings, vowing that his government would not rest until terrorism was eradicated from the country. He expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and prayed for the eternal peace of the victims. The Prime Minister remarked that those who target innocent workers and the poor are enemies of humanity.

Balochistan’s Chief Minister condemned the attack on police officers and the killing of the labourers, calling both incidents barbaric. Home Minister Sarfraz Bugti assured that the blood of innocent police officers and labourers would not go in vain, promising a strict crackdown on those responsible for the attacks.

Recent Surge in Terror Attacks

Balochistan has witnessed a surge in terrorist activities in recent days. Just a week before these incidents, five people, including three Frontier Corps (FC) soldiers, were killed in an explosion on a paramilitary convoy on the Nushki-Dalbandin highway. The explosion was carried out by a vehicle-borne suicide bomber, targeting security forces.

On March 11, militants affiliated with the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) blew up a railway track in Bolan district and attacked the Jaffar Express, which was carrying more than 440 passengers. Security forces conducted a complex operation, neutralizing 33 attackers and rescuing the hostages. However, 26 people, including 18 security personnel and five civilians, lost their lives in the attack.

Increase in Terror Attacks in January 2025

According to data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), terror attacks across Pakistan surged by 42% in January 2025 compared to the previous month. The data revealed that 74 militant attacks resulted in 91 fatalities, including 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants. Additionally, 117 people were injured, including 53 security forces personnel and 54 civilians.

Balochistan saw a rise in militant activity, with at least 24 attacks, claiming 26 lives, including 11 security personnel, six civilians, and nine militants. The escalating violence has sparked concerns over the security situation in the province.