Quetta: In a violent assault on Thursday night, gunmen targeted a coal mine in the Duki district of Balochistan, Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of 20 miners and injuring seven others. The attackers surrounded the homes of those residing near the mine and unleashed indiscriminate fire, creating chaos and panic among the local population.
Humayun Khan Nasir, a police officer, reported that the majority of the victims were from Pashtun-speaking regions of Balochistan, including three Afghan nationals. This attack marks one of the deadliest incidents in the region, which has long been plagued by separatist and militant activities.
The timing of the attack is particularly alarming as Pakistan is set to host a major security summit in Islamabad in the coming days. The imminent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, scheduled for 15 and 16 October, will see participation from Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, heightening security concerns across the nation.
To date, no group has claimed responsibility for the Duki mine attack. However, the region’s history of insurgency suggests possible links to separatist factions protesting against the Pakistani government’s alleged exploitation of Balochistan’s rich oil and mineral resources.
Balochistan remains one of Pakistan’s most volatile provinces, with ongoing conflicts between the government and various insurgent groups seeking greater autonomy or independence. The recent attack underscores the persistent instability and the challenges faced by authorities in maintaining peace and security.
Earlier in the week, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) took responsibility for an attack on Chinese nationals outside Pakistan’s largest airport, targeting workers involved in China’s Belt and Road Initiative. With thousands of Chinese workers employed in Pakistan, particularly in infrastructure projects, the region remains a focal point for geopolitical tensions.
As the SCO summit approaches, Pakistani authorities are ramping up security measures to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of international delegations. The government has vowed to crack down on militant activities and restore peace to the troubled province.
Comments are closed.