Ali Khan Mandokhail, Hussain Zarkoon, News Desk:
DUKKI, ZHOB, QUETTA: An armed attack on a coal mines in Pakistan’s District Dukki, Balochistan, left 20 coal miners dead and several others injured.
Humayoun Nasar, a local police officer said armed men attacked the Junaid coal mine in the district.
The attackers, armed with grenades and rocket launchers, stormed the mine site late at night, destroying equipment and setting machinery ablaze, Nasar said.
Local authorities confirmed the attack after Deputy Commissioner (DC) Duki, Haji Khair Ullah—who also serves as the district chairman—received reports from the scene.
Levies Leading The Initial Inquiry
Levies forces, along with police, were dispatched to the site, with Levies personnel leading the initial recovery of victims.
DC Duki and Assistant Commissioner (AC) Duki coordinated medical efforts at District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ), mobilizing medical staff to handle the emergency.
Ambulances were dispatched with the help of the Commissioner’s office in Loralai to transport the injured, while seven miners with serious injuries were transferred to Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital in Loralai for further treatment.
The victims include workers from across Pakistan and Afghanistan. A joint operation involving FC Commandant and Superintendent of Police (SP) Duki led to the recovery of all remaining bodies.
CM Bugti, Governor Condemn The Terror Attack
Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Sarfaraz Bugti strongly condemned the attack and vowed to bring the perpetrators to book. “This is a terrorist attack and terrorists behind this would not be spared”, Mr. Bugti said.
An investigation is underway, with the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) taking over the case after an FIR was filed. Local officials are coordinating with security forces to secure the area and protect workers at other mining sites across Balochistan, a region long troubled by violence and security challenges.
This tragic incident highlights the dangerous conditions faced by coal miners in Balochistan, where armed attacks and hazardous working environments continue to threaten lives.
