Balochistan Minister Zehri escapes attempt on life

Zehri's convoy narrowly missed an explosion that was meant to take out his convoy. PHOTO: FILE/REUTERS

QUETTA: A sitting Balochistan Provincial Minister and Chief of the Jalawan, Sardar Sanaullah Zehri escaped an attempt on his life near Surab in Kalat district, on Friday night. The Baloch Liberation Front has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Assistant Commissioner of police Qadir Baksh said that the provincial minister for Services and General Administration Department (SGAD) Sardar Sanaullah, who was on his way to Khuzdar from Kalat, when an explosive device planted along with RCD highway near Anjera area went off. However, the minister remained unhurt in the attack as blast took place a few minutes before his convoy passed by.

“The target was Sardar Sanaullah Zehri. No one was hurt in the explosion,” Baksh said.

A heavy contingent of police and law enforcing agencies rushed to the spot and set up a security cordon around the minister.

A manhunt has been mounted in the area.

BLF claims responsibility for attack

Banned outfit, Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) has claimed responsibility for the attack on provincial minister Sardar Sanaullah Zehri.

A BLF spokesperson, who introduced himself as Duda Baloch has said his organisation would target Zehri again following its failed attempt.

Meanwhile, Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raisani has condemned the attack on Zehri and termed it against tribal norms.

“The culprits will not be spared at any cost and government will make its utmost efforts to bring the culprits to book,” a Balochistan government handout quoted him.