ZHOB, BALOCHISTAN — In a brutal act of targeted violence, nine passengers were abducted and shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the Sardhaka area near Zhob on Thursday night. The horrifying incident has drawn national outrage and firm pledges of action from both provincial and federal leadership.
Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti condemned the attack in the strongest terms, calling it an act of cowardice and vowing a decisive crackdown on all terror networks involved.
“We will crush every single terror plan with full force, unwavering resolve, and complete unity,” said CM Bugti in an official statement.
“The blood of the innocent will not go in vain.”
Details of the Attack
The incident occurred when armed assailants intercepted Punjab-bound passenger buses, forcibly removed selected passengers, and executed nine civilians after identification.
According to Assistant Commissioner Zhob Naveed Alam, the victims were taken away from the buses and later shot dead in cold blood.
Government spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed that the assailants deliberately targeted and identified their victims before carrying out the killings. He referred to the attackers as proxies of Fitna al-Hindustan, a term increasingly used to describe alleged Indian-backed terrorist groups operating in Balochistan.
PM Shehbaz Sharif Responds
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the killings, describing them as an attack on the soul of the nation.
“We will deal with terrorists with full force. The blood of innocent people will be avenged,” the PM said.
“With resolve, unity, and strength, we will confront and uproot the scourge of terrorism.”
India-Backed Proxies Accused
Speaking to Geo News, spokesperson Shahid Rind said this incident is part of a wider pattern of attacks linked to Indian-sponsored groups. He cited recent attacks in Mastung, Kalat, and Saradagai, which were reportedly repelled by security forces.
“The attack in Sardhaka was a continuation of this nefarious agenda. India is backing terrorism in Balochistan after its defeat in the recent conflict,” he claimed.
Rind added that security SOPs are in place for passenger routes, including a ban on overnight travel along the N-70 route. However, no specific threat was issued for Sardhaka prior to the attack.
Rising Violence Amid Regional Tensions
The incident comes against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions and a recent brief war between India and Pakistan in May, which ended in a 90-hour ceasefire.
Data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) highlights a 5% uptick in militant attacks in May, with Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) emerging as the most affected provinces.
📊 May 2025 Militant Violence Snapshot (PICSS):
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Total attacks nationwide: 85
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Total fatalities: 113
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52 security personnel
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46 civilians
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11 militants
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4 peace committee members
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Injured: 182 (130 civilians, 47 security personnel)
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Balochistan attacks: 35
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Deaths: 51
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Injured: 100
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Army’s Commitment
Earlier this week, during the 271st Corps Commanders’ Conference, the military high command led by Field Marshal Asim Munir vowed “decisive and holistic actions” against all India-backed proxies operating inside Pakistan.
🔴 This attack has reignited debate around cross-border militancy, the safety of public transportation in Balochistan, and the broader regional security landscape
