In Balochistan’s Khuzdar district, unidentified gunmen attacked a construction company’s camp, abducting 18 laborers and setting fire to vehicles and machinery. The incident, which occurred on Thursday night, caused massive damage and raised serious concerns over security in the region.
According to officials, the attack took place in the Kleeri area of Nal, located around 80 kilometers from Khuzdar. Dozens of armed men blocked the highway before storming a private construction company’s camp and crushing plant. The company was working on a major road project connecting Khuzdar to Basima in Washuk district — a key part of Balochistan’s development efforts.
Levies in-charge Ali Akbar said the attackers set ablaze several vehicles and heavy machinery, destroying at least eight pieces of equipment. He added that the assailants abducted the laborers, most of whom were from Sindh province and had come to Balochistan in search of work.
Zulfiqar Ahmed, the manager of D-Baluch Construction Company, confirmed that 20 laborers were initially kidnapped, but two were later released. He stated that the attack has halted company operations and created fear among the workers.
Security forces, including Levies, Frontier Corps (FC), and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), reached the site soon after the incident. They cordoned off the area and launched a large-scale search operation with the help of local tribal elders. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Officials suspect the involvement of Baloch insurgent groups that have previously targeted construction firms and development projects in the province. These groups often target non-local laborers and accuse them of supporting government-led projects.
The attack in Khuzdar is the second major kidnapping of laborers in a week. Just days earlier, nine workers were abducted from Mastung’s Dasht area, bringing the total number of kidnapped laborers to 27 within days.
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Authorities have condemned the assault, calling it an attempt to destabilize Balochistan’s economic progress. The provincial government has pledged to strengthen security measures and bring the perpetrators to justice as investigations continue.
