Two dead, three injured as unidentified gunmen open fire in Quetta

CM Bugti condemns the attack, seeks a report of the incident

QUETTA:

Two people from the Hazara community were killed and three others seriously injured on Sunday morning when unidentified armed men opened fire at the Hazarganji vegetable and fruit market in Quetta, Balochistan, Provincial Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langau confirmed to The Express Tribune.

Langau visited Civil Hospital to inquire about the injured and stated that a report had been requested from the inspector general of police regarding the incident.

Police officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Express Tribune, "The attackers, believed to be two to three individuals possibly riding a motorcycle, targeted vendors and buyers at the market before fleeing the scene immediately after the shooting."

Police added that the deceased were identified as Haji Musa and Ahmed Ali, both members of the Hazara community who were engaged in the daily vegetable trade at the market.

The injured, identified as Chaman Ali, Jafar Ali and one unidentified person, were shifted to Bolan Medical College Hospital, where doctors said the condition of one of the wounded was critical.

According to police officials, security teams reached the site and began collecting evidence, while a search operation was also underway in the area.

"No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack; however, investigations were underway, and the perpetrators would be arrested soon," they said.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti took immediate notice of the incident and sought a report from the Home Department and the inspector general of police. Condemning the attack, he termed it an intolerable and cowardly act and said those involved would not escape the law.

He expressed condolences to the affected families and directed authorities to provide immediate and best possible medical treatment to the injured. He also ordered strict action against those responsible.

Read: Five killed in coordinated attacks in Panjgur

Following the incident, members of the Hazara community staged a protest, blocking the Western Bypass to traffic. Protesters demanded that the government and security agencies ensure complete protection for the community. The blockade led to severe traffic disruption in various parts of the city, causing difficulties for residents.

Leaders of the Hazara community said repeated incidents indicate that security arrangements remain inadequate. They called on the government to implement strict security measures around the market and Hazara localities to ensure the safety of civilians.

In March, at least five people were killed and two others were injured in a series of armed attacks carried out by a large group of terrorists in the Panjgur district of Balochistan.

Read more: Security forces defuse 8 IEDs on Quetta–Karachi highway, averting major attack

Last month, security forces defused eight improvised explosive devices (IEDs) discovered beneath a bridge on the Quetta–Karachi national highway in Balochistan’s Surab district, officials said, averting a potential large-scale attack.

The explosives, concealed inside drums and weighing more than 300 kilograms in total, were recovered during an intelligence-based operation, according to security sources.