Four Labourers from Punjab Killed in Balochistan’s Kalat District
Kalat, Balochistan: Four labourers from Punjab were shot dead by unidentified assailants in Kalat’s Mangochar city on Saturday, according to Deputy Commissioner (DC) Jamil Baloch. The attack, which took place at 2:30 PM, left one survivor. The victims, all residents of Sadiqabad, were working as borewell drillers.
Key Developments:
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Incident Details:
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Attack occurred in Malangzai area of Kalat.
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Levies personnel arrived at the scene, and the bodies were transported to Rural Health Centre Mande Haji for examination.
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An FIR will be registered, and an investigation is underway.
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No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
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Government Response:
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President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack and called for strict action against terrorists targeting unarmed civilians.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif denounced the assailants as “enemies of humanity” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating terrorism.
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Balochistan CM Sarfraz Bugti called it a “brutal act of terrorism”, vowing to make anti-state elements an example.
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Security Concerns & Previous Attacks:
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The attack comes amid rising ethnic-based violence in Balochistan.
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Recent incidents include:
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April 2024: Nine passengers from Punjab killed in Noshki; two labourers shot in Kech.
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May 2023: Seven barbers from Punjab shot dead near Gwadar.
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October 2023: Six labourers from Punjab killed in Turbat, Kech district.
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2019 & 2015: Bus passengers and labourers targeted in Ormara and Turbat, respectively.
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The recent attack highlights the worsening security situation in Balochistan, with targeted violence against migrant workers from Punjab becoming more frequent. As authorities intensify counterterrorism efforts, concerns remain over ethnic tensions and militant activities in the province.
