The attackers, who were traveling on a motorcycle, attacked civilians at the Hazarganji fruit market and escaped within minutes.
KP Police. PHOTO: EXPRESS/ARCHIVE
QUETA:
Unidentified gunmen opened fire in a Quetta market on Sunday morning, killing two members of the Hazara community and wounding at least three others. The murder sparked a community sit-in protest, which disrupted traffic in the provincial capital.
According to police, the attackers, believed to have been on a motorcycle, attacked civilians at the Hazarganji fruit market and escaped within minutes. The victims were reportedly involved in routine business activities at the time of the incident.
Security forces and police teams arrived at the scene shortly after the attack, secured the area and began collecting evidence. The forces also launched a search operation in the area.
The deceased were identified as Haji Musa and Ahmed Ali, both regular traders at the market. The injured, Chaman Ali, Jafar Ali and another unidentified person, were rushed to Bolan Medical University Hospital, where one remains in critical condition.
According to officials, no group claimed responsibility for the killing when the report was filed.
Shortly after the attack, members of the Hazara community staged a protest and blocked the Western Ring Road, causing major traffic congestion in different parts of the city. Protesters demanded immediate action against those responsible.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemned the incident and termed it as an unacceptable act of violence against innocent citizens.
He ordered law enforcement agencies to pursue the perpetrators without delay and ensure that they are brought to justice. The prime minister also ordered authorities to provide the best possible medical care to the injured and expressed his condolences to the bereaved families.
Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail also issued a statement condemning the attack and describing it as an attempt by terrorist elements to sabotage peace and spread fear.
He urged citizens to cooperate with the government’s efforts to maintain law and order and ordered authorities to ensure immediate medical treatment for the injured. The Governor expressed his solidarity with the grieving families.
Provincial Interior Minister Mir Ziaullah Langau also strongly condemned the incident and stated that “those involved cannot escape the clutches of the law.”
He visited the injured at the Trauma Center of the Civil Hospital, met their families and community elders and assured them of the government’s full support.
Health Minister Bakhth Muhammad Kakar also expressed grief over the loss of life. He assured that all necessary medical facilities were being provided to the injured and promised that “hands stained with the blood of innocents will soon be punished by law.”
(WITH INPUT FROM THE APP)
