The attackers, on motorbikes, targeted civilians at the Hazarganji fruit market and escaped within minutes.
KP Police. PHOTO: EXPRESS/FILE
QUETTA:
Unidentified gunmen opened fire at a market in Quetta 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 community, disrupting traffic in the provincial capital.
According to police, the attackers, who were probably traveling on motorbikes, targeted civilians at the Hazarganji fruit market and fled within minutes. The victims were reportedly engaged in routine business activities at the time of the incident.
Security forces and police teams arrived at the scene shortly after the attack, secured the area and began collecting evidence. The forces also launched a search operation in the area.
The victims were identified as Haji Musa and Ahmed Ali, both regular market traders. The injured, Chaman Ali, Jafar Ali and another unidentified person, were rushed to Bolan Medical College Hospital, where one of them remains in critical condition.
According to authorities, no group had 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 major traffic jams in different parts of the city. The 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 called on law enforcement to pursue the perpetrators without delay and ensure that they are brought to justice. The chief minister also directed the authorities to provide best possible medical care to the injured and offered condolences to the bereaved families.
Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail also issued a statement condemning the attack and describing it as an attempt by terrorist elements to sabotage peace and spread fear.
He urged citizens to cooperate with government efforts to maintain law and order and asked authorities to provide immediate medical treatment to the injured. The governor expressed his solidarity with the bereaved families.
Provincial Interior Minister Mir Ziaullah Langau also strongly condemned the incident, saying “those involved cannot escape the grip of the law.”
He visited the injured at the trauma center of the Civil Hospital, met their families and community elders and assured them of the government’s full support.
Health Minister Bakhth Muhammad Kakar also expressed grief over the loss of lives. He assured that all necessary medical facilities were provided to the injured and promised that “hands stained with the blood of innocents will soon be punished by law.”
(WITH INPUT FROM THE APPLICATION)
