Two suspects nabbed in Gwadar barbers attack

Balochistan home minister calls arrests a breakthrough

QUETTA:

In a significant breakthrough in the fight against terrorism in Balochistan, security forces and police have arrested two terrorists involved in the recent attack on labourers in Gwadar.

Earlier this month, at least seven barbers from Punjab were killed in a grisly attack in a Gwadar neighbourhood, which police believe was motivated by ethnic hate. One person was also injured in the deadly shooting, which took place at a residential quarter near the Fish Harbour Jetty in the Surbandar area of Gwadar.

The attack occurred around 3am, with the victims shot at point-blank range in their sleep, police said. All the victims hailed from the Khanewal district of Punjab, leading investigators to suspect an ethnic motive. The gunmen fled the scene unidentified and unchallenged.

Read 7 barbers from Punjab executed in their sleep in Gwadar

Addressing a news conference on Friday evening, Provincial Home Minister Zia Langove, flanked by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Police Operations Aitzaz Ahsan Guraya, announced the arrests. "This breakthrough marks a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in Balochistan," Langove said.

"Over the last two decades, thousands of security forces and civilians have fallen victim to terrorism in Balochistan," he stated. He accused neighbouring countries of orchestrating terrorist activities, misleading the youth, and disrupting peace.

"Terrorism will not be tolerated," Langove declared. He reiterated Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti's stance, saying, "There is no war of freedom in Balochistan; only misguided youth influenced by external forces." He stressed that the unrest is not a struggle for rights but a consequence of external manipulation.

Highlighting the provincial government's efforts, Langove mentioned that CM Bugti has ensured the rights of the grower community are upheld, dismissing claims of a rights war in the region. "This is not a war for rights; it is a battle against terrorism," he affirmed.

In a message of congratulations to the nation, Langove announced, "I congratulate the nation that two terrorists involved in the Gwadar attack have been arrested." He revealed that one of the arrested individuals is a local from Gwadar. "This success demonstrates our unwavering commitment to fighting terrorism alongside our security forces," Langove asserted.

DIG CTD Guraya provided an update on the ongoing investigations, stating that the investigation of the Nushki incident has reached its final stages. "We are closing in on the terrorists involved in the recent alcohol-related incident," Guraya confirmed.