ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday strongly condemned the brutal abduction and murder of nine passengers traveling from Quetta to Lahore, calling the incident a horrifying act of terrorism.
In an official statement, the Prime Minister pledged that the blood of innocent citizens would not be shed in vain and vowed that those responsible for the heinous act would be brought to justice.
The attack occurred near the Sardhaka area of Zhob in northern Balochistan, where armed assailants intercepted Punjab-bound passenger buses, forcibly removed passengers, and executed nine individuals after identifying them.
Terming it an act of “Fitna-ul-Hindustan” terrorism, Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the state’s unwavering commitment to defeating terrorism. “Terrorism remains a serious threat, but we will eliminate it through unity, resilience, and national resolve,” he said, assuring the families of the victims that justice will be served.
Deputy Commissioner Zhob, Naveed Alam, confirmed that the bodies of the victims were being transported to Rakhni Hospital. He added that a full investigation is underway, and security forces have launched a search operation in the region.
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti also condemned the attack in the strongest terms, describing the perpetrators as “cowardly beasts.” He called the killings an attack on the entire nation and asserted, “This is a state war against terrorism, and our response will be powerful and uncompromising.”
Bugti vowed that the government would not rest until every terror plot is dismantled and every terrorist held accountable. “We will crush every single terror plan with full force, unwavering resolve, and complete unity,” he declared.
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind also confirmed the incident, stating that the attackers deliberately pulled passengers from the buses, identified them, and then executed nine innocent civilians. “This massacre of defenceless citizens is a chilling example of the barbarity of Fitna-ul-Hindustan,” he said.
The incident has sparked nationwide grief and outrage, reviving concerns over the persistent threat to civilian safety in certain regions of Balochistan.
