Terrorist involved in Hazara community killings shot dead in Mastung

DIG says Maqsood Ahmed was involved in target killings of the Hazara community to fuel sectarian unrest in Quetta

QUETTA: Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) claimed to have killed a hardcore target-killer involved in sectarian violence during an operation near Mastung district in Balochistan.

Addressing a joint press conference on Monday, DIG Quetta Abdul Razzaq Cheema and Commander Ghazaband Scouts Brigadier Tasawur Sattar said that security forces carried out a search operation in Splinji and Kabu areas of Mastung following a tip-off on April 28.

“Terrorists hiding in their camps opened fire on the forces and in retaliatory firing a hardcore terrorist, identified as Maqsood Ahmed hailing from Manghopir area of Karachi, was killed while an FC soldier sustained injuries,” Cheema said.



“A large cache of arms and ammunition were seized from the site,  indicating there might be six to seven terrorists who were hiding there.” the DIG added.

"Maqsood was involved in target killings of the Hazara community to fuel sectarian unrest in Quetta," Cheema said.

Replying to a question regarding the recent spate of target killings of the Hazara community and Christians in Quetta, he said that security forces are taking all measures to protect citizens.

The police chief went on to say that after talks with the Hazara community, additional force has been deployed in three more spots outlined by Hazara elders.

“We've decided to deploy 200 Elite Force trained by Pakistan Army on immediate basis with the force on bikes patrolling in Quetta from today [Monday],” he told reporters.

"We can’t eliminate terrorism without active citizenry, especially without the help of the business community," Cheema said, adding, “The business community must install CCTV cameras at commercial centres to trace miscreants."