Qawals martyred in Kalat laid to rest

The bodies of three members of a qawwal troupe killed in Wednesday's gun attack on a bus in Kalat, Balochistan, were flown into the metropolis in a helicopter arranged by the Balochistan government. The victims' bus, en route to Quetta for a performance, was ambushed by terrorists.

Sindh Minister for Local Government Saeed Ghani received the bodies at the cargo terminal of Karachi Airport, accompanied by officials and family members of the victims. The deceased were identified as Muhammad Ahmed Bashir, Muhammad Raza Ahmed, and Muhammad Asif.

Speaking to media at the airport, Ghani termed the attack a "cowardly act of terrorism" that claimed the lives of innocent artistes. He said five other injured passengers were under treatment in Kalat, while some wounded members of the troupe had returned to Karachi. He assured that the government stood in solidarity with the bereaved families and vowed that the culprits would be brought to justice. He also acknowledged the Balochistan government's efforts in providing medical assistance to the injured.

The bodies were shifted to the Martin Quarters morgue and later driven to their family residences.