Pakistan Condemns Terror Attack on Passenger Bus in Balochistan's Kalat District

In a brutal act of terrorism, three passengers were killed and seven others injured when gunmen ambushed a passenger bus traveling from Karachi to Quetta in the Nemargh area of Balochistan’s Kalat district. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, has sparked widespread condemnation from top political and security officials in Pakistan.

According to provincial government spokesperson Shahid Rind, the attackers opened fire on the coach from both sides of the road. He confirmed that the injured victims were transferred to the District Headquarters Hospital in Kalat, where a state of emergency has been declared. A search operation is currently underway as security forces pursue the perpetrators.

Speaking to Geo News, Rind stated that the attackers appeared to have set up an ambush and launched the assault once the vehicle was stopped. He noted that Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has taken immediate notice and ordered a detailed report from law enforcement agencies.

State media also reported on the harrowing testimony of a passenger who survived the attack, stating that the gunmen fired indiscriminately at those onboard.

Security officials linked the attack to frustration among terrorist groups—specifically the so-called “Fitna-Al-Hindustan”—following successful military operations in the region. These groups have reportedly suffered financial losses due to anti-smuggling crackdowns and are now targeting civilians to destabilize the region and divert attention from military border operations.

President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the incident in strong terms, calling it a “barbaric act” and promised the best possible medical care for the injured. He emphasized that the state will continue to deal with terrorism with “full force.”

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi echoed these sentiments, labeling the attackers as “cowards” and accusing them of attempting to disrupt peace under foreign influence. “These are Indian-sponsored terrorist elements seeking to create chaos by targeting soft civilian targets,” he said.

Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti described the attack as “despicable” and affirmed that such violence now targets all ordinary Pakistanis, not just specific communities. He vowed that the state will overcome these threats at any cost.

Other political leaders, including National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, also strongly denounced the attack. They called for unity and decisive action to eliminate terrorism and safeguard national peace.

Senator Sherry Rehman and MNA Shazia Marri of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) emphasized the need for a robust response to terrorism and condemned the foreign-backed elements behind such attacks.

This assault follows a similar tragic incident just a week ago, when nine passengers were abducted and murdered in the Sur-Dakai area, located between Balochistan's Zhob and Loralai districts, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the province.

Authorities continue to investigate the Kalat attack and search for those responsible as the nation mourns another loss at the hands of terrorism.