Duki, Pakistan – A brutal assault on a coal mine in southwestern Pakistan’s Duki district late Thursday night left 20 miners dead and seven wounded, escalating concerns about security as a major regional summit approaches. The attackers targeted the miners’ living quarters, grouping them before indiscriminately opening fire, highlighting the ongoing violence in the Balochistan province.
Local police official, Hamayun Khan Nasir, reported that the victims predominantly hailed from Pashtun-speaking areas in Balochistan, with several being Afghan nationals. This ethnic composition underscores the complex demographic tensions in a region marred by economic disparities and ethnic strife.
While no organization immediately claimed responsibility for the bloodshed, the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), notorious for its attacks on both civilians and security personnel, is the primary suspect. The BLA has a history of violent activities in the area, including numerous attacks last August that claimed over 50 lives. Following these incidents, security forces responded with significant force, eliminating 21 insurgents.
This recent attack has rattled the local community and drawn sharp condemnation from national leaders. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti voiced their outrage and sorrow over the attack. Chief Minister Bugti emphasized the attackers’ blatant targeting of defenseless laborers, vowing that these heinous acts will be avenged.
“Such acts of violence against innocent laborers will not be tolerated, and we will ensure that justice is served,” Naqvi stated, signaling a robust government response to counteract the violence and seek retribution against those responsible.
The incident not only raises questions about the efficacy of current security measures but also puts additional pressure on officials as they prepare for the impending security summit in the capital. Analysts suggest that increasing security protocols at industrial sites, particularly remote and vulnerable locations like mines, is crucial to preventing these kinds of attacks.
Community leaders and human rights organizations are urging the government to take more decisive actions to protect workers and prevent future attacks. There is also a call for international cooperation to address the underlying causes of such violence, which may include poverty, political disenfranchisement, and regional conflicts.
As the investigation continues, the broader implications for Balochistan’s security situation are becoming increasingly apparent, potentially impacting regional stability. The tragedy has brought to light the critical need for a concerted effort to safeguard civilians and workers in conflict-prone zones throughout Pakistan.