Six workers killed in Turbat shooting
QUETTA: In the early hours of Saturday, a tragic incident unfolded in Turbat, resulting in the loss of six lives and the injury of two individuals, all victims of a sudden and indiscriminate attack by unidentified assailants.
“Among the deceased, two brothers, a maternal uncle, and his son were tragically lost,” authorities reported, emphasizing that they were originally from Punjab and employed as construction laborers in Turbat.
According to law enforcement officials, the grim incident transpired in Satellite Town, Turbat, when a group of armed individuals forcibly entered a residence and unleashed gunfire upon the unsuspecting laborers who were asleep in a room.
“A significant number of automatic firearms were employed by the armed assailants to carry out the attack on the laborers, who were staying in an under-construction residence belonging to a local contractor named Naseer Ahmed,” explained a senior police official. Swiftly, upon being alerted, law enforcement officers, along with personnel from other relevant agencies, swiftly arrived at the scene, facilitating the transportation of both the deceased and the injured to a district hospital in Turbat.
“TheWebUnvierse Hospital officials confirmed that six bodies bearing multiple bullet injuries were received, causing their immediate demise,” they added, disclosing that the injured, though afflicted by gunshot wounds, were in stable condition.
Poor labourers don’t design policies or the state, really disappointing and condemnable!
— Asad Ali Toor (@AsadAToor) October 15, 2023
“Two brothers, maternal uncle and his son were among the deceased,” officials said, adding that all belonged to Punjab and worked as construction workers in Turbat. https://t.co/q54H2BcFO5
Makran Division Commissioner Saeed Ahmed Umrani elucidated that a local contractor had engaged these laborers for the construction of his residence in Satellite Town. They were residing in the same house when the assailants targeted them.
“All victims hailed from various regions of southern Punjab,” conveyed Mr. Umrani when reached over the phone in Turbat. The responsibility for the attack has yet to be claimed by any group.
Pursuit of the Perpetrators
In the interim, investigators have initiated their efforts to track down the perpetrators using geo-fencing and evidence gathered from the scene. Additionally, endeavors are underway to locate those responsible for the tragic killings.
The deceased laborers were identified as Rizwan, Shehbaz, Wasim, Shafiq Ahmed, Muhammad Naeem, and Sikander, whereas the injured included Ghulam Mustafa and Tuheed.
Officials detailed that, following initial treatment, the injured were transported to Multan alongside their relatives via an aircraft provided by the Balochistan government, while the bodies will be repatriated to their respective hometowns on Sunday after the completion of all necessary medico-legal procedures in Quetta. As per reports, the injured were transferred to Nishtar Medical College Hospital in Multan for further medical attention.
Additional Inspector General of Police Jawad Ahmed Dogar, who arrived in Turbat following the incident, disclosed that a collaborative team, comprised of officials from the CTD, Special Branch, police, and other agencies, is being assembled to investigate the incident.
“At this moment, our inquiry is in its initial stages, and we are determined to ensure that those responsible for this atrocity face justice.”
A comprehensive survey will be conducted in Turbat and other areas to collect data on laborers working in Makran to enhance their security.
Prior incidents of a similar nature have occurred in Makran. In 2015, 20 laborers lost their lives when armed individuals assaulted their camp near Turbat.
Condemnations
In the wake of this tragic incident, Balochistan Governor Malik Abdul Wali Kakar, Caretaker Chief Minister Mir Ali Mardan Domki, Home Minister Zubair Ahmed Jamali, Information Minister Jan Achakzai, and PPP Balochistan senior leader Syed Hasnain Ahmed Hashmi all vehemently condemned the brutal killings.
Chief Minister Domki has directed investigators to conduct a thorough examination of the incident from all angles and submit a comprehensive report. In light of this attack, the CM has suspended the Kech district superintendent of police and ordered a high-level investigation into this heartrending incident.
