Duki, Pakistan – An assault on a private coal mining site in southwestern Balochistan province late Friday night left at least 20 workers dead and seven others injured, intensifying security concerns just days before a major regional summit in Islamabad. The attack targeted the Junaid Coal Company and involved up to 40 armed assailants, according to local police. This brutal incident unfolded amid preparations for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conference, scheduled for October 15-16.
Authorities disclosed that the attackers, wielding heavy weapons and explosives, stormed the mine around 12:30 a.m., launching a relentless 30-minute offensive that ultimately claimed numerous lives. This proved devastating not only to human life but also inflicted substantial damage on mining infrastructure.
The local police chief in Duki, Asim Shafi, reported that the armed group used both small firearms and heavier ordinance, including rockets and grenades during the assault, which culminated in them fleeing into the darkness of the night. In the aftermath, the district hospital in the area was overwhelmed with casualties, receiving 20 deceased miners and treating an influx of wounded individuals.
Initial reports from on-ground police suggest that most victims were native Pashto speakers from Balochistan, with some casualties also including Afghan nationals, reflecting the diverse workforce employed at many of Balochistan’s mines.
The region, marred by a history of violence, might see this recent attack as another attempt by militant factions such as the Baloch Liberation Army to destabilize the region, although no group has formally acknowledged responsibility for the violence.
The ambush sparked a powerful response from the local community, with many shop owners in the vicinity shutting their businesses for a day in protest against the ongoing violence targeting laborers. Their closures serve as a somber reminder of the broader implications of such security threats on civilian life and economic stability.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif responded to the tragedy with a strong condemnation, underscoring his administration’s resolve to combat terrorism. In a statement, Sharif conveyed his deep condolences and reaffirmed his commitment to eradicating terrorist activities across the country.
Echoing the Prime Minister, Balochistan’s Chief Minister, Sarfraz Bugti, characterized the attack as a vile act by terrorists intent on undermining national stability. Bugti vowed that the government would seek justice for the laborers slain in this heinous act and articulated the province’s resolve against such barbarity.
This attack raises significant concerns regarding security in the lead-up to the SCO summit. Officials are likely to revamp safety measures, not only in Balochistan but also throughout the capital where international delegates will soon gather.
The continued violence in Balochistan highlights the complex and multifaceted security challenges Pakistan faces, demanding a coordinated policy response that addresses both immediate safety concerns and the longer-term grievances that fuel such conflicts.