In a tragic incident, seven passengers were killed in a gun attack on a bus traveling on the national highway in Barakhan, Balochistan. The attack occurred after armed men stopped the vehicle, forcibly removing the passengers and opening fire after checking their identification cards. The victims were reportedly en route from Quetta to Faisalabad.
According to security sources, the assailants, numbering between 10 and 12, set up a blockade in the Rarkan area. Eyewitnesses described the attackers as heavily armed with Kalashnikov rifles. One witness, a resident of Burewala, confirmed the bus was heading toward Multan when the assault took place.
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Local authorities have launched a search operation, as the attackers are still believed to be in the area. In a precautionary move, passenger vehicles have been halted at multiple locations, including Rakhni Bewatta and Mekhtar. The Assistant Commissioner of Barakhan confirmed the deaths, stating that the seven victims were shot after being taken off the bus.
Leaders Condemn Brutal Attack
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemned the attack, calling it a cowardly act by terrorists targeting defenseless civilians. He vowed a strong response, asserting that those responsible would be brought to justice. “The terrorists are enemies of peace and humanity, and this heinous act is intolerable,” Bugti said, pledging that security forces would take decisive action.
Similarly, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed their outrage over the killings. In separate statements, they condemned the incident, offered condolences to the bereaved families, and called for swift justice. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed that the perpetrators would face severe consequences and emphasized the government’s commitment to eradicating terrorism from Pakistan.
Security Forces Launch Manhunt
Security forces, including Frontier Corps (FC) and Levies, have reached the site of the attack and are actively pursuing the terrorists. Local authorities have ramped up security across the region to prevent further incidents, with checkpoints established at strategic points.
The attack has sent shockwaves through the region, with citizens mourning the loss of innocent lives while authorities intensify efforts to bring those responsible to justice.
