At least three people were killed near a checkpost in Balochistan’s Kalat, and 13 others injured, after terrorists of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) opened fire on a passenger bus traveling from Karachi to Quetta on Wednesday.
According to police, the attack took place when the bus approached Nemargh Cross near Kalat. They said the terrorists were awaiting the vehicle’s passage atop nearby mountains, adding they first opened fire before hurling grenades.
In a statement, Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said security forces, district administration, and rescue teams had reached the site upon learning of the assault. “A search operation is underway, and the attackers are being pursued,” he said, adding it was too early to confirm the exact number of assailants.
Local media reported the bus was transporting a famous qawal group, adding Ahmed Hussain Sabri and his son Ahmed Raza Sabri were among the deceased. The group was traveling to Quetta to perform at a wedding ceremony.
In a statement posted on X, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said targeting innocent and defenseless civilians was unforgivable. “These groups once targeted people based on identity, but are now indiscriminately attacking civilians. This is a war against every Pakistani,” he said, blaming India-backed terrorist organizations.
Terming the attack a direct assault on Pakistan’s unity, sovereignty, and peace, he vowed the government would eradicate the threat at all costs.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also issued a statement condemning the terrorist attack, blaming it on Fitna al Hindustan, the term used for terrorist organizations in Balochistan. Offering prayers for the martyred, he extended his sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed for patience and resilience during this difficult time.
The prime minister also directed authorities to provide immediate medical assistance to the injured. He warned that terrorists targeting innocent, unarmed civilians would not escape justice.
The attack came just days after terrorists killed at least nine passengers traveling from Balochistan to Punjab near the Loralai district.
Officer Martyred
Earlier in the day, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces killed three terrorists affiliated with Fitna al Hindustan in Awaran. It said an Army officer, 34-year-old Maj. Syed Rub Nawaz Tariq, had embraced martyrdom while leading the operation against the terrorists.
The military’s media wing said the operation was launched on intelligence reports about the presence of terrorists in the area. “During the operation, troops effectively engaged the terrorist location, killing three Indian-sponsored terrorists,” it added. “Major Tariq led from the front and paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the nation,” it said.
The ISPR said a sanitization operation was underway to eliminate any remaining threats from the area. “Security forces of Pakistan are fully committed to eradicating Indian-sponsored terrorism, and the sacrifices of our brave soldiers only strengthen our resolve,” it stressed.