Opposition incensed at Balochistan volatility

MPAs say slaying of coalminers shows citizens are unprotected

QUETTA:

Opposition lawmakers in the Balochistan Assembly have strongly condemned the provincial government for its alleged failure to protect the lives of its citizens, particularly in the aftermath of the killing of 20 coal miners in the Duki district.

The session, chaired by Balochistan Assembly Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, saw heated debates as lawmakers expressed grave concern over the increasing incidents of terrorism and targeted killings in the province.

Maulana Noorullah, speaking passionately, decried the brutal murders of the coal miners. "These innocent workers were killed in cold blood. We demand justice for the coal miners and accountability from the authorities," he stated.

Opposition Leader Mir Younas Aziz Zehri also launched a scathing attack on the government's security measures.

"The situation has deteriorated to such an extent that not a single lawmaker, out of 65, feels safe enough to travel on any highway in Balochistan." Zehri called for immediate action to address the law-and-order crisis.

In response, Balochistan Minister for Planning and Development, Mir Zahoor Buledi, defended the government, citing the sacrifices made by security forces. "From soldiers to officers, they are giving their lives to defend the motherland.

Foreign elements are behind the recent wave of terrorist attacks, and we are doing everything possible to counter these threats," Buledi said.

Despite the government's assurances, opposition lawmakers continued to voice their dissatisfaction, urging for stronger security measures to safeguard the people of Balochistan.

Last week, an attack by unidentified armed men on the coal mines of a local company in Balochistan's Duki district left 20 miners dead and seven others injured.

According to district authorities, the attackers used heavy weapons, including hand grenades and rocket launchers, during the assault on the mines.

Duki District Chairman Haji Khairullah Nasir stated that the attackers targeted the coal mines, firing at the workers and setting fire to the mining equipment. He stated that police and FC (Frontier Corps) were informed of the attack, but none of the security forces' personnel had arrived at the scene.

Police officials reported that the armed individuals gathered the workers in groups and opened fire on them. SHO Duki, Humayun Khan Nasir, confirmed that 17 bodies have been transported to the civil hospital, and more are being shifted.

Among the deceased, two were from Afghanistan, three from Pishin, one from Kuchlak, four from Killa Saifullah, three from Zhob, and another one from Loralai. All of the deceased and injured workers were Pashtun.

Balochistan is no stranger to acts of terror, and synchronised attacks which took place towards the end of August this year, killing 40 people, rocked the province to the core.