QUETTA: An unidentified gunmen brutal attacked seven labourers in Panjgur district, Balochistan. The incident took place late Saturday night, according to police reports.
The victims, all hailing from Punjab, were residing in a house in the Khuda-i-Abadan area of Panjgur when the gunmen stormed in and opened fire. Seven men are killed, and one person is injured in the attack.
Attack Details
The local police informed that the labourers were shot while they were resting after a long working day. The assailants entered the house and began shooting, leaving no chance for the victims to escape. The injured individual was rushed to Panjgur District Hospital for treatment.
Deputy Commissioner of Panjgur confirmed the tragic incident. A police official stated, “A search operation has been launched to trace the attackers. We are actively investigating the motive behind this brutal attack.”
Recent Surge in Violence
This attack comes just a month after a similar violent incident in Musakhail district, Balochistan. In that case, 23 passengers were killed by gunmen after being offloaded from buses. Armed men blocked a highway and singled out passengers based on their identities before carrying out the massacre.
Government Response
In response to these recent attacks, the provincial government has taken steps to address the growing threat of terrorism in the region. Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts between security forces and the political leadership. Speaking on a television show, he said, “A holistic approach is needed to combat this violence. We need cooperation from every segment of society.”
Balochistan’s Chief Minister, Sarfraz Bugti, has convened a high-level meeting to discuss security measures. The meeting is expected to result in critical decisions aimed at restoring law and order in the province.
Broader Terrorism Context
Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces have been the primary hotspots for terrorist activity in Pakistan, especially since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Terrorism-related incidents in these regions have been on the rise, threatening the security of civilians and security personnel alike.
A report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) highlighted the alarming number of violent incidents in the country. Between April and June of this year, 380 people lost their lives, and 220 were injured in terror attacks and counter-terrorism operations. The report stated that the majority of these incidents occurred in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
National Counter-Terrorism Efforts
In response to the surge in violence, the federal government launched Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, a new phase in the country’s counter-terrorism efforts. The operation, approved in June, aims to root out terrorism through coordinated action between federal and provincial governments and security agencies.
Despite these efforts, incidents like the Panjgur attack highlight the continued challenge of maintaining peace in the region. The provincial government remains committed to addressing the security threats and ensuring justice for the victims of these brutal attacks.
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