Gunmen attack PDMA convoy

Unidentified armed men opened fire on a convoy of vehicles transporting disaster management machinery and equipment of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) from Karachi, in the Anjira Cross area of Quetta on Friday.

The attackers targeted the vehicles directly, damaging the relief machinery and rendering several tyres useless. Fortunately, no loss of life was reported in the incident.

According to police sources, the attack occurred when the convoy was passing through Anjira Cross while carrying essential PDMA machinery and tools from Karachi to Balochistan for use in potential natural disasters or emergency situations.

Eyewitnesses said the assailants suddenly started heavy firing, focusing both on the machinery loaded on the vehicles and the tyres. As a result, the convoy was temporarily immobilised.

Soon after the incident, heavy contingents of police and security forces rushed to the scene, cordoned off the area, and launched a search operation to trace the attackers.

Talking to reporters, DIG Police Imran Shaukat said the armed men fled from the scene immediately after the firing. He said a manhunt has been initiated and efforts are underway to arrest the culprits.

PDMA officials stated that the machinery was being brought from Karachi to strengthen the province's preparedness against possible natural calamities or emergencies. They confirmed that the equipment suffered partial damage due to the firing and a detailed assessment is being carried out.

Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation from all possible angles. Preliminary reports suggest it was a cowardly attack aimed at disrupting relief operations in the province.

Security forces have been put on high alert across the area to prevent any untoward incident. Police officials vowed to arrest the attackers soon and assured strict action against those involved.