Gunmen Kill Seven Passengers in Barkhan Highway Attack

According to security sources, the attackers set up a blockade on the highway, stopped the coach traveling from Quetta to Faisalabad, and executed seven individuals.

Gunmen intercepted a passenger coach on a national highway in Barkhan, Balochistan, killing seven passengers after forcibly removing them from the vehicle.

According to security sources, the attackers set up a blockade on the highway, stopped the coach traveling from Quetta to Faisalabad, and executed seven individuals.

An eyewitness, a resident of Burewala, recounted: "Around 10 to 12 armed men were carrying Kalashnikovs. We were traveling from Quetta to Multan when they stopped us."

Initial reports suggest that the assailants are still present on the highway, prompting Quetta authorities to halt passenger vehicles at Rakhni, Bewata, and Mekhtar. Local sources indicate that the victims were selected after their identity cards were checked.

Assistant Commissioner Barkhan confirmed the incident, stating that seven passengers were taken off the bus and shot dead.

Leaders Condemn Attack, Vow Stern Action

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, stating that terrorists targeting innocent civilians would face severe consequences. He expressed condolences for the victims and assured them that those responsible would be brought to justice.

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President Asif Ali Zardari also strongly condemned the killings, calling them a cowardly and heinous act. He emphasized that terrorist elements seek to destabilize Balochistan and must be held accountable.

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti labeled the massacre of innocent passengers as an unforgivable crime, vowing that the perpetrators would be punished. Government spokespersons confirmed that security forces, including FC and Levies, are actively pursuing the attackers.

Security Forces Kill 30 Terrorists in South Waziristan Operation

Meanwhile, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s South Waziristan district, security forces eliminated 30 terrorists in an intelligence-based operation.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security personnel launched a raid in the Sararogha area based on intelligence reports. The forces successfully neutralized 30 militants, and further operations are ongoing to eliminate any remaining threats.

The ISPR reiterated that Pakistan’s armed forces remain committed to eradicating terrorism from the country.