Sessions judge and guard killed in Mastung attack on judges’ convoy
District and Sessions Judge Abdul Hakeem Kakar and Additional Sessions Judge Tariq Lashari were travelling to Mastung from Quetta. Officials said unknown armed men targeted their vehicles near Wali Khan crossing during the journey.
The attackers opened fire on the convoy, killing Judge Abdul Hakeem Kakar and his security guard at the scene. Additional Sessions Judge Tariq Lashari and another injured person were shifted to a hospital in Mastung for treatment.
Officials said an investigation has been launched to identify the attackers and determine the motive behind the assault. Security agencies have also increased vigilance in the surrounding area after the incident.
The attack came only a day after another deadly incident in Mastung. Gunmen attacked a Karachi-bound passenger bus, killing three people and injuring five others, while a bridge on the national highway in Khud Kocha was also blown up.
Also read: Punjab offers jobs with salaries up to Rs750,000; who can apply?
Following that violence, authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in the Khud Kocha sub-tehsil. The restrictions were introduced to help security forces carry out operations and prevent further attacks.
The latest incident also follows recent counterterrorism operations in Mastung. According to the military’s media wing, security forces killed three terrorists, including two suicide bombers and their facilitator, while seven more terrorists were eliminated in Surab district.
Security concerns have increased across Balochistan after a series of terrorist attacks in recent weeks. Authorities have responded by expanding intelligence-based operations in different parts of the province.
Security sources said Operation Shaban resulted in the killing of 91 terrorists between July 5 and July 16. They added that the total number of terrorists eliminated in operations across Balochistan since July 5 has reached 129.
The latest attack has once again raised serious concerns about the safety of public officials travelling in sensitive areas. Authorities are expected to review security arrangements to reduce the risk of similar incidents.
The attack shows that security challenges remain serious in parts of Balochistan despite ongoing operations. Stronger protection for judges, government officials and public transport may become an even bigger priority in the coming days.
