Gunmen attacked a coal mine in Duki district, Balochistan, killing 20 miners and injuring seven others. The assailants stormed the miners' accommodation, rounded up the men, and opened fire. They also damaged machinery at the mine before fleeing. Most of the victims were from Pashtun-speaking areas of Balochistan, with three dead and four wounded being Afghan nationals.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but suspicion falls on the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army, known for targeting civilians and security forces. The attack comes amidst heightened tensions in the region, with recent violence claiming over 50 lives in August.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the killings and vowed to eliminate terrorism. Balochistan's Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti condemned the attack, calling the perpetrators cruel and expressing determination to avenge the innocent laborers.
The province is home to separatist groups seeking independence, accusing the federal government of exploiting Balochistan's resources. The BLA recently claimed responsibility for an attack on Chinese nationals outside Pakistan's largest airport, raising concerns about security for foreigners in the country.
Authorities have increased security measures ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Islamabad, deploying troops to safeguard the event. The Interior Ministry has warned of potential attacks by separatists and the Pakistani Taliban on public places and government installations.
The attack on the miners occurred shortly after Saudi and Pakistani businessmen signed $2 billion worth of investment agreements, including in the mining sector in Balochistan. Saudi Arabia is also interested in investing in Reko Diq, a district known for its mineral wealth.
Gwadar Port in Balochistan plays a crucial role in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a key component of China's Belt and Road initiative. The BLA has demanded Chinese workers to leave the province to avoid further attacks.
