Deadly Attack on Punjab-Bound Bus in Balochistan: Seven Passengers Killed

The TOI correspondent from Islamabad: A tragic incident unfolded late Tuesday night in Barkhan district, a volatile region in southwestern Balochistan, Pakistan. At least seven passengers from Punjab province were shot dead when their bus was ambushed on a highway near the provincial border with Punjab.

Details of the Attack

The bus, carrying 45 passengers, was traveling from Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, to Faisalabad in Punjab. According to a senior government official, armed men burst the bus tires on a highway close to the border. They then stopped the vehicle, checked the identification cards of the passengers, and singled out seven individuals from Punjab.

These seven passengers were lined up and shot dead within a span of 10 minutes. The attackers fled into the Koh-e-Sulaiman mountain range, leaving behind a trail of devastation and grief.

Potential Suspects

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but ethnic Baloch separatists are the most likely suspects. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) is the most active organization in the region, known for targeting security forces and individuals from other provinces.

The BLA has a history of attacking Punjabi commuters in Balochistan. Last year, at least 39 people were killed when BLA militants forcibly removed ethnic Punjabi passengers from buses in the volatile province. The group also targets Chinese interests in Balochistan, claiming that outsiders exploit the resource-rich region while leaving the natives behind.

Recent Violence in Balochistan

The violence in Balochistan is not limited to attacks on Punjabi passengers. At least 10 mine workers from northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province were killed in a roadside blast in Balochistan’s Harnai district. This incident underscores the ongoing instability and insecurity in the region.

The BLA’s activities have raised concerns about the safety of travelers and residents in Balochistan. The group’s tactics, including targeted killings and attacks on infrastructure, have disrupted daily life and hindered economic development in the province.

Government Response and Public Reaction

The Pakistani government has condemned the attack and expressed its condolences to the families of the victims. However, the incident highlights the challenges faced by authorities in maintaining law and order in Balochistan.

Public reaction to the attack has been one of shock and sorrow. Many Pakistanis have expressed their solidarity with the victims and their families, calling for an end to the violence and a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Balochistan.

Conclusion

The tragic attack on the Punjab-bound bus in Balochistan is a stark reminder of the ongoing violence and instability in the region. The targeting of Punjabi passengers by ethnic Baloch separatists raises serious concerns about the safety of travelers and residents in Balochistan.

As the search for justice continues, the Pakistani government must take decisive action to address the root causes of the conflict and bring peace to Balochistan. The international community also has a role to play in supporting Pakistan’s efforts to stabilize the region and promote human rights.

Let us hope that this senseless act of violence will serve as a catalyst for change, leading to a more peaceful and prosperous future for all residents of Balochistan.

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