Five workers from Punjab were killed after unidentified armed men opened fire on shops in the Mashkil area of Washuk district in the southwestern province of Balochistan on Sunday, police said.

The deceased were identified as Muhammad Bilal, Muhammad Hassan, Muhammad Qadir, Mohsin and Bilal. Police said all five were from different areas of Punjab and were working at the targeted shops.

The attackers fled the scene after the shooting, police said. Authorities cordoned off the area and launched an investigation.

After completing legal formalities, the bodies were sent to the victims’ native areas, police said.

Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind condemned the attack and said the provincial government had ordered a transparent and impartial investigation.

He said law enforcement agencies had been directed to immediately arrest those responsible and bring them to justice, adding that the government would provide all possible support to the victims’ families.

Rind said the government would not allow attempts to disrupt law and order in the province and would continue efforts to protect citizens and maintain peace.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the killings and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.

President said targeting innocent citizens and labourers was unjust and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice.

PM described the attack as a brutal and cowardly act, saying the government and security forces remained committed to eliminating terrorism and protecting the lives and property of citizens.