QUETTA – At least nine people were killed when armed militants opened fire on a passenger bus in Balochistan’s Noshki district late Friday night, according to official sources.
The attackers ambushed the bus, which was en route from Quetta to Taftan, near the mountainous area of Sultan Charhai, forcing it to stop. The assailants singled out passengers after checking their identification, reportedly targeting specific individuals before opening fire.
Nine passengers died on the spot, and several others were injured. The bodies and injured were shifted to Noshki Civil Hospital. Security forces immediately cordoned off the area and launched a search operation.
Balochistan’s interim information minister, Jan Achakzai, blamed the attack on militants allegedly backed by Indian intelligence agency RAW. In a statement, he said that “India is supporting terrorism in Balochistan,” and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to eliminate terrorism from the province.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and directed authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. Investigations are ongoing.
