In a brutal act of targeted violence, armed assailants stopped a passenger bus on the National Highway in Barkhan district and executed seven passengers after confirming their identities. The victims were reportedly from Punjab.

According to Levies sources, the attack occurred on Tuesday night when unidentified gunmen intercepted multiple passenger coaches travelling from Quetta to Punjab.

The attackers checked passengers’ ID cards, forcibly took seven individuals to a nearby mountainous area, and shot them dead.

Additionally, two passengers were abducted and taken away by the assailants.

Following the incident, security forces immediately halted other incoming buses at various checkpoints to prevent further attacks. Also, read this

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Once the area was deemed secure, the stranded passengers were allowed to continue their journey.

Emergency protocols were activated at Rakhni and nearby hospitals, where medical staff were placed on high alert. Security forces have cordoned off the region and launched an investigation.

Eyewitness accounts: ‘We heard gunshots’

Survivors described the attack as terrifying and merciless.

A female witness recounted how her brother was pulled off the bus after his identity card was checked. He was travelling from Quetta to Faisalabad.

Another passenger from Bhurewala, travelling with his brother to Multan, said that after IDs were verified, his brother was taken away with others, and soon after, gunshots rang out.

“They shot my brother and six others point-blank in the head after identifying them,” said another devastated survivor.

Women and children who survived the attack were left in shock and grief.

This horrific incident echoes a similar mass execution in Musa Khel a few months ago, where 23 passengers were killed after being identified.

Levies sources confirmed that the bodies have been handed over to their families following legal procedures. Security forces escorted other buses in a convoy to ensure safe passage along the highway.

Balochistan CM condemns ‘cowardly act’

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemned the cold-blooded killings, calling them an unacceptable act of terror.

In a statement on social media platform X, Bugti declared that the terrorists are targeting innocent and defenceless people. This “cowardly attack” is unforgivable. Those responsible will be “brought to justice”.

He assured that Frontier Corps (FC) and Levies forces are actively pursuing the attackers and will ensure they face the full force of the law.

Authorities have intensified security operations across Balochistan, as concerns grow over targeted killings on major transport routes.