News Desk
QUETTA: Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind has confirmed that five laborers from Punjab were killed after unidentified armed men opened fire on shops in the Mashkail area of Washuk district on Sunday.
According to Shahid Rind, the victims were working at local shops in Mashkail when the attackers targeted them with indiscriminate gunfire. All five workers died at the scene before the assailants fled.
Deputy Commissioner Washuk Majid Sarparah said the deceased belonged to different districts of Punjab and had been employed in the area for work.
Chief Minister of Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemned the attack, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and directed law enforcement agencies to ensure the immediate arrest of those responsible. The chief minister reaffirmed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice and that no effort would be spared to protect the lives of citizens and maintain peace in the province.
Police and security forces reached the scene shortly after the attack, shifted the bodies to a hospital, and launched a large-scale search operation to track down the attackers. Following legal formalities and post-mortem examinations, the bodies were dispatched to their hometowns.
Officials said investigations are underway, with law enforcement agencies collecting forensic evidence and pursuing multiple leads to identify and apprehend those involved. Security has also been tightened across the area as the search operation continues.
The attack has once again highlighted security challenges in parts of Balochistan, where authorities say counterterrorism operations will continue until those responsible are brought to justice.
