Quetta:
At least two police officers and three students were injured on Friday when a police officer’s rifle was accidentally discharged outside Balochistan Governor House in Zhob district, officials said.
The students were shot in the arms and legs while the police officers sustained less injuries. They were all moved to the Zhob District Headquarters Hospital. Medical Superintendent Abdul Rehman said the students were in a steady state after undergoing surgery and that police officers were discharged shortly after receiving first aid.
The incident occurred around 1 p.m. 12, when the students had come to meet the Balochistan Governor Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail to discuss educational questions. The officer who had the rifle was on a security duty.
According to police, the firing was a consequence of technical malfunction or possible misconception of weapons. The rifle allegedly went out while the students tried to enter the Governor House after security checks.
Mandokhail visited the wounded students in the hospital and announced that the government would carry all medical expenses. He described the incident as “deeply unlucky” and promised to give the wounded students complete educational and financial support.
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He also issued directives for improved security personnel training and regular inspection of weapons.
Meanwhile, students from Government Boys Degree College and community leaders staged a protest outside the Governor House. This was interrupted after Mandokhail issued a formal apology and announced compensation for the wounded.
This is the second such incident involving Zhob security staff this year, raising concerns about existing security protocols. The provincial government has announced a review of security protocols in the Governor House. Further action will be taken against the responsible officer after the end of the investigation.
