A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) first-class umpire was reportedly robbed of his vehicle by armed men while travelling from Quetta to Karachi to attend a PCB refresher course.
According to reports, the incident took place near Lakorian, between Khuzdar and Sohrab in Balochistan. A group of armed men intercepted the vehicle carrying first-class umpire Aslam Baloch and several fellow PCB officials.
The officials were travelling to Karachi to participate in a refresher course organized by the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Armed Men Block Road and Stop Vehicle
Aslam Baloch was travelling with fellow PCB umpires Khalid Mahmood, Hameed Khan, Muhammad Rahim, and Hidayatullah.
The group had departed Quetta four days earlier for the scheduled training program.
After stopping for breakfast in Sohrab, they resumed their journey. However, two armed men allegedly stood in front of their vehicle and blocked the road.
According to reports, the suspects forced the officials to hand over their identity cards and vehicle documents at gunpoint.
More Armed Men Waiting Nearby
After stepping out of the vehicle, the travelling officials reportedly discovered that more than a dozen armed men were positioned nearby.
The attackers allegedly drove away with Aslam Baloch’s vehicle. However, they returned the personal belongings of the PCB officials before leaving the area. The incident caused concern among the travelling officials, who were left stranded following the robbery.
Attackers Allegedly Demand Ransom
Reports stated that the attackers later contacted the vehicle owner by phone. Initially, they allegedly demanded a ransom of Rs2 million for the return of the vehicle.
Later, the reported demand was reduced to Rs800,000. Authorities have not released further details regarding the alleged ransom demand.
Police Register Case as Investigation Continues
Following the incident, an FIR was registered at Sohrab Police Station. The affected umpires also informed the Pakistan Cricket Board about the robbery.
According to reports, the PCB advised the officials to leave the area immediately to ensure their safety. Meanwhile, authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, and further legal proceedings remain underway.
