Attackers riding motorcycles targeted civilians at Hazarganji Fruit Market, escaped within minutes
KP Police. PHOTO: EXPRESS/FILE
QUETTA:
Unidentified gunmen opened fire in a Quetta market on Sunday morning, killing two members of the Hazara community and injuring at least three others. The killing sparked a sit-in protest by the local community, disrupting traffic in the provincial capital.
According to police, the attackers, believed to be riding a motorbike, targeted civilians at the Hazarganji Fruit Market and escaped within minutes. The victims were allegedly engaged in routine trading activities at the time of the incident.
Security forces and police teams reached the spot soon after the attack, secured the area and started collecting evidence. Forces also launched a search operation in the area.
The deceased were identified as Haji Musa and Ahmed Ali, both regular traders in the market. The injured, Chaman Ali, Jafar Ali, and another unidentified person were rushed to Bolan Medical College Hospital, where one is in critical condition.
According to officials, no group claimed responsibility for the killing at the time the report was filed.
Soon after the attack, members of the Hazara community staged a protest and blocked the Western Bypass, leading to significant traffic congestion in various parts of the city. Protesters demanded immediate action against those responsible.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemned the incident, calling it an unacceptable act of violence against innocent citizens.
He directed law enforcement agencies to pursue the perpetrators without delay and ensure that they are brought to justice. The Chief Minister also ordered the authorities to provide the best possible medical care to the injured and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail also issued a statement condemning the attack, describing it as an attempt by terrorist elements to sabotage peace and spread fear.
He urged the citizens to cooperate with the government’s efforts to maintain law and order and directed the authorities to ensure immediate medical treatment of the injured. The governor expressed solidarity with the bereaved families.
Provincial Interior Minister Mir Ziaullah Langau also strongly condemned the incident, declaring that “those involved cannot escape the grip of the law.”
He visited the injured at the civil hospital’s Trauma Centre, met their families and community elders and assured them of full government support.
Health Minister Bakhth Muhammad Kakar also expressed grief over the loss of life. He assured that all necessary medical facilities were made available to the injured and vowed that “hands stained with the blood of innocents will soon be caught by law.”
(WITH ACCESS FROM APP)
