Rising Violence in Balochistan: Two Laborers Killed in Separate Shooting Incidents
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest yet most volatile province, witnessed two tragic incidents of targeted violence on Monday, resulting in the deaths of two laborers and injuries to three others. The attacks occurred in Kalat and Chaghi districts and are believed to be part of a disturbing trend of targeting non-local workers.
First Incident: Deadly Ambush in Kalat’s Manguchar
The first attack took place in the Killi Zard Ghulam Jan area of Manguchar, Kalat, during the late evening. According to SHO Haji Khan of the Manguchar Levies Station, a group of laborers was working on drilling a tube well on agricultural land when unknown assailants riding a motorcycle opened fire.
Two men died on the spot: Naveed Ahmed from Rahim Yar Khan and Khalil Ahmed Mengal from Quetta. Two others, Adeel Ahmed (Rahim Yar Khan) and Jalaluddin Mengal (Quetta), sustained bullet injuries and were immediately transferred to Quetta for medical treatment.
SHO Khan confirmed the nature of the attack appears to be targeted, with the attackers managing to flee the scene without being apprehended.
This is not the first such case in the region. In March, four laborers from Punjab were shot dead in a similar targeted assault in Manguchar. Following that, the Levies issued directives to local landlords to inform authorities in advance about any non-local workers employed on their lands.
In this latest incident, the landlord and drilling machine owner failed to comply with those orders. Consequently, a case has been registered against them under criminal negligence and contributory homicide sections for endangering lives.
Second Incident: Barber Shot in Chaghi
The second incident occurred in Chaghi district, where motorbike-riding gunmen opened fire on a barbershop. Imtiaz Ahmed, a barber originally from Punjab, was shot four times. He was quickly transported to the Rural Health Center in Chaghi for initial medical assistance.
According to Levies officials, the assailants escaped the scene. The case is under investigation.
Pattern of Violence Against Non-Local Workers
Both attacks seem to be part of an increasing wave of violence targeting laborers from other provinces, particularly Punjab. Over recent months, such attacks have surged across different areas of Balochistan, causing growing concern about the safety of migrant workers in the region.
Authorities have launched investigations into both incidents and efforts are underway to trace and apprehend the perpetrators.