Five labourers were killed in Balochistan’s Washuk district after unidentified gunmen opened fire at a shop in the Mashkel area.
According to police, the victims had come from outside the province for work. After legal formalities are completed, their bodies will be transported to their hometowns for burial.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and identify those responsible.
Security sources later alleged that the assault was carried out by militants belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan. The deceased were identified as Mohammad Bilal, Mohammad Hussain, Muhammad Qadeer, Mohsin and Bilal.
Following the incident, security forces sealed off the area and began a search operation to locate and apprehend the attackers.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemned the killing of the unarmed labourers, stating that terrorists had once again revealed their malicious intentions by targeting innocent workers.
“The aim of terrorists is not to advance any legitimate cause, but to spread fear, hatred and instability in Pakistan,” Bugti said, adding that the state would respond more firmly to those challenging its authority.
Provincial government spokesperson Shahid Rind also denounced the attack, saying the government had taken immediate notice of the incident and ordered a thorough inquiry.
“Those responsible for the murder of innocent citizens will be brought to justice,” Rind said, while expressing solidarity with the bereaved families.
The attack comes at a time when security operations are continuing across Balochistan, where authorities say dozens of India-backed militants have been killed in recent operations.
Security forces had earlier launched Operation Shaban after the attack on the Mangi Dam police station in Ziarat. The operation is being carried out jointly by the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and Balochistan Police.
Operation Shaban: Four More Militants Killed, Toll Rises to 71
