Five labourers shot dead near Pakistan-Iran border

QUETTA: Five laborers hailing from Punjab province were shot dead in Mashkel town, located in Balochistan's Washuk district, on Sunday. The incident, which occurred near the Pakistan-Iran border, has drawn strong condemnation from both the federal and provincial governments. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif denounced the killings as an "extremely barbaric and cowardly act."

“

Targeting innocent and unarmed labourers was an extremely barbaric and cowardly act that deserved the strongest possible condemnation.

The attack took place when armed terrorists, reportedly on motorcycles, opened fire on shops where the laborers from Punjab were working. Police confirmed that the five men sustained multiple bullet injuries and died at the scene. The assailants managed to escape following the shooting. Security forces and law enforcement agencies have since launched a search operation to track down the perpetrators.

“

The elements involved in such heinous crimes against humanity deserve no leniency.

Prime Minister Sharif expressed deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims. He stated that targeting innocent and unarmed laborers is a heinous crime against humanity and deserves the strongest possible condemnation. The Prime Minister reiterated the government's and security forces' commitment to eradicating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.

“

The government and the security forces remain fully committed to eradicating terrorism from the country and ensuring the protection of every citizen’s life and property.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti also strongly condemned the killings, emphasizing that the victims were not just Punjabi laborers but Pakistani citizens and hardworking individuals. He characterized the attack as an assault on Pakistan's unity, constitution, and the state's authority, rather than being directed at a specific province or ethnic group. The chief minister noted that militants, often operating under the guise of a freedom movement, are responsible for such violence.

“

These victims were not merely Punjabi labourers, but Pakistani citizens, hardworking people and our own brothers.