Six policemen injured in attack on Balochistan minister’s convoy
Gun battle lasts around 20 minutes
Balochistan Home Affairs Assistant Babar Yousafzai said the exchange of fire between the armed assailants and police continued for around 20 minutes. He said the police personnel responded strongly to the attack and demonstrated bravery during the gun battle.
Six police personnel were injured in the exchange of fire. The attackers later fled the scene, while police launched an operation to trace and arrest those involved.
Three injured personnel shifted to Quetta
Sana Malik, emergency in-charge at Nawab Ghous Bakhsh Raisani Hospital in Mastung, said six injured people were brought to the hospital for treatment. Three of the injured personnel were later shifted to Quetta for further medical treatment.
The condition of the remaining injured personnel was not immediately known. Authorities continued to monitor the situation following the attack.
Search operation launched for attackers
Following the attack, police launched a search operation in the area to trace the armed men. Security personnel are working to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack on the minister’s convoy.
The attackers managed to escape after the exchange of fire. Police said the operation would continue until the suspects involved in the attack were traced and arrested.
Zia Langau says attack will not lower his morale
Following the incident, Balochistan Interior Minister Zia Langau said such attacks would not weaken his resolve.
In a statement issued to the media, he said he could not be intimidated by such “firecrackers”.
Langau said the attack would not lower his morale.
His statement came after he remained unharmed despite the armed attack on his convoy.
Attack raises security concerns in Mastung
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The attack highlights continuing security challenges in parts of Balochistan, where security personnel and government officials have faced attacks in the past. Mastung has witnessed several security incidents due to its location along important routes connecting different parts of the province.
The attack on the provincial interior minister’s convoy is likely to raise further concerns about the security of public officials travelling through sensitive areas. Authorities are expected to investigate the incident and determine who was behind the attack.
