Date: July 11, 2025
Location: Zhob & Loralai Districts, Balochistan, Pakistan
At least nine people were brutally abducted and killed after armed assailants stopped two passenger buses in Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan, officials confirmed on Thursday. The attack occurred in the remote districts of Zhob and Loralai, areas that have witnessed repeated incidents of ethnic and sectarian violence.
According to local authorities, the gunmen intercepted the buses, examined passengers’ ID cards, and selectively removed individuals believed to be of Punjabi origin. The victims were later found shot dead in a nearby area. The attackers reportedly also took identification documents and fled the scene before law enforcement could intervene.
Suspected Militant Involvement
Though no group has claimed responsibility, security officials suspect that the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) — a banned separatist organization — may have been involved. The group has carried out similar targeted attacks in the past as part of its long-running insurgency against the state.
Police and paramilitary forces have launched a search and rescue operation, combing the surrounding terrain for clues and suspects. The identities of the victims are being verified, and the bodies have been shifted to nearby medical facilities for autopsy and documentation.
Government Response
Pakistan’s Interior Ministry condemned the attack as a “cowardly act of terrorism” and pledged swift action against those responsible. “Targeting innocent civilians is not just inhumane—it is a direct attack on the values of unity and coexistence,” the ministry said in a statement.
Balochistan Chief Minister also expressed sorrow over the incident and ordered a high-level inquiry, directing security forces to increase patrols along intercity routes and vulnerable areas.
Public Outrage and Concern
News of the killings has sparked outrage on social media and among civil rights organizations, with many calling for improved security measures for passengers traveling through Balochistan. Human rights advocates urged the government to address the root causes of unrest and provide justice for the victims’ families.
