• Five Punjab-based laborers killed in Mashkel town after terrorist attack on commercial establishments
• Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemns incident as barbaric and cowardly
• Operation Shaban continues with seven additional terrorists neutralized
• Chief Minister Bugti reviews security operations, visits affected areas
• 108 suspects detained in nationwide Balochistan crackdown
QUETTA: Five laborers from Punjab were fatally shot in Mashkel town of Balochistan’s Washuk district on Sunday, prompting widespread condemnation from federal and provincial leaders. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the attack as an “extremely barbaric” act targeting innocent civilians.
The incident occurred during ongoing Operation Shaban, where security forces have reported eliminating 109 terrorists since July 5. According to Washuk Deputy Commissioner Abdul Majeed Sarparah, armed assailants on motorcycles opened fire on shops where Punjabi laborers were employed near the Pakistan-Iran border.
Police reports indicate all five victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds and succumbed to their injuries on-site. Security personnel arrived promptly to secure the area and transported the bodies to Mashkel’s government health facility for post-mortem examinations before repatriation to their families.
The government has launched comprehensive search operations to apprehend those responsible. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif specifically denounced the attack by Fitna al-Hindustan terrorist groups, emphasizing that targeting unarmed civilians constitutes a “heinous crime against humanity” warranting absolute condemnation.
The prime minister affirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to eliminating terrorism and protecting innocent citizens. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti similarly condemned the killings, stating the victims represented not only Punjabi laborers but all Pakistanis, and that the attack undermined national unity and constitutional authority.
Chief Minister Bugti visited Babri village in the Hanna Urak area to review Operation Shaban’s progress, praising security personnel’s dedication and professionalism. He offered prayers for the deceased and assured families of full governmental support during their time of grief.
Operation Shaban continued its momentum with seven additional terrorists eliminated in coordinated actions following the Mangi dam attacks that claimed 27 police lives. Security forces recovered extensive weapons caches including M4 rifles, rocket launchers, and communication equipment from targeted terrorists.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the joint efforts of army, Frontier Corps, and police forces in safeguarding national security. He emphasized there is “no place for terrorist elements in Pakistan” and assured continued decisive action against militant networks.
In a separate nationwide initiative, Balochistan police arrested 108 suspects and seized substantial weapon caches including 93 firearms, 10 Kalashnikov rifles, and thousands of rounds of ammunition. The 72-day campaign also yielded major narcotics seizures totaling over 150 kilograms of hashish, opium, and heroin, alongside recovered vehicles, mobile phones, and stolen cash valued at Rs142,500.
Published in Dawn, July 13th, 2026
