Gunmen Execute Seven Passengers in Balochistan After ID Verification
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On February 19, seven passengers from Punjab, Pakistan, were murdered by gunmen in Balochistan following identity checks on their bus. The attackers, estimated to be between 10 to 12, forced the victims from the bus and executed them. Local authorities and government officials condemned the incident, pledging to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Key Takeaways
- Seven passengers from Punjab were killed in Balochistan.
- Attack occurred post identity card verification.
- Gunmen set up a blockade on the highway.
- Victims were associated with CPEC projects.
- Authorities have intensified security measures in the area.
Quetta (Pakistan), Feb 19 (NationPress) A tragic incident occurred on Wednesday when seven passengers, originating from various regions of Pakistan's Punjab province, were forcibly removed from a passenger bus and shot dead by armed attackers following identity checks in Barakhan, Balochistan.
According to reports, between 10 to 12 gunmen ambushed a bus that was en route from Quetta to Faisalabad.
The assailants, who had established a blockade on the highway in the Rarkan area, compelled the bus to stop and ordered passengers out.
After verifying the identity cards, they executed at least seven individuals.
Local sources indicated that the victims were from Punjab province, many of whom were government employees or affiliated with the CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) initiatives underway in Balochistan.
“The bus was heading from Quetta to Multan when the attack took place,” recounted an eyewitness.
In the aftermath of the shooting, law enforcement and security personnel have halted passenger traffic at several locations due to the possibility of the gunmen still being in the vicinity.
“Security forces, including the Frontier Corps (FC) and levies, have arrived at the scene and are actively pursuing the terrorists,” stated a spokesperson for the Balochistan provincial government.
The Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, condemned the attack on the unarmed passengers, promising a robust response to the terrorists.
“The terrorists are targeting innocent and defenseless individuals. This cowardly act by the enemies of peace is unacceptable and will elicit a strong reaction,” remarked CM Bugti.
“Those responsible for this incident will face justice, and the terrorists accountable for the deaths of Pakistanis will bear the repercussions,” he added.
The incident has drawn condemnation from Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, both labeling Wednesday's assault as a despicable act.
“The murder of innocent individuals is a cowardly and reprehensible act. The terrorists are the adversaries of peace and humanity, intent on disrupting tranquility in Balochistan. The perpetrators will be held accountable,” stated President Zardari.
This is not the first assault on a passenger bus in Balochistan, with previous attacks also targeting individuals from Punjab province.
In earlier instances, assailants have blocked main highways, identifying and brutally murdering passengers from Punjab.
Balochistan has become a battleground for Pakistan's security forces, who are conducting intelligence-based operations against terrorist hideouts.
Separatist militant groups like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) have executed significant attacks against security forces and government officials, particularly targeting those from Punjab province involved in Balochistan, asserting that they will not permit foreign entities like China to operate in the region without their consent.
In a recent declaration, the BLA vowed to persist in their assaults on Chinese projects, their personnel, and the security forces.
