In a tragic incident, seven passengers are killed in Barkhan district, Balochistan late on Tuesday night. Unknown armed assailants opened fire on the passengers after taking them from the bus.
The attack took place on the National Highway in Rarkan area. Unidentified men stopped the bus, and opened fire into the air, said AC Khadim Hussain.
The gunmen then boarded the bus, checked the passenger’s identity cards, and forcibly took seven individuals to the nearby mountain. Shortly after, gunshots were heard.
When the levies forces and local law enforcement agencies reached the spot, they discovered the bodies of the abducted passengers.
Read more:
The bodies have been taken to the nearby hospital in Rakni. The deceased residents were residents of different cities in Punjab, informed law enforcement agencies.
The bus was traveling from Quetta to Faisalabad with 45 passengers on board. One of the passengers, Zeeshan Mustafa, said the assailants took his brother away after checking his identity card. The gunmen numbered between ten and twelve, Zeeshan said, adding that all were armed with Kalashnikovs.
Law enforcement agencies cordoned off the area to apprehend the assailants. Following the incident, two-way traffic on the National Highway, which connects Punjab to Balochistan, was suspended.
Chief Minister Balochistan has condemned the incident; and says perpetrators will be brought to justice.
“Terrorists are targeting innocent and unarmed civilians,” CM Bugti said in response to the attack.
“This cowardly assault by the enemies of peace is intolerable, and they will face a strong response.”
Read more: COAS Highlights Youth and Unity as Strength of Pakistan Army
A spokesperson for the Balochistan government stated that security forces are actively pursuing the terrorists. No group has claimed responsibility yet, while police are investigating the incident.
The unfortunate incident in Barkhan comes a week after 11 laborers were killed in a blast in Harnai. Pakistan particularly Balochistan has been experiencing a surge in terrorist activities since the start of this year.