On the evening of July 10, 2025, armed men kidnapped nine passengers from multiple buses traveling along the Musakhail-Makhtar and Khajuri highway in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province. The victims, identified as residents of Punjab province, were taken to a nearby mountainous area and shot dead, with their bodies discovered overnight bearing bullet wounds, according to local officials. The Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), a separatist group, claimed responsibility for the attack, alleging the victims were targeted for their perceived ties to Pakistan’s military or intelligence services, a claim authorities have not confirmed.
Balochistan, a mineral-rich region bordering Afghanistan and Iran, has long been a hotspot for separatist violence. Ethnic Baloch militants, including the BLF and the larger Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), accuse the central government of exploiting the province’s resources while neglecting local development. Similar incidents have occurred in the past, with insurgents targeting Punjabis, whom they view as outsiders benefiting from Balochistan’s wealth. A February 2025 assault that killed seven bus passengers and a March 2025 train attack involving dozens of hostages highlight the escalating security challenges in the region.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the killings, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice. The province’s government has imposed emergency measures, though details remain limited. As tensions persist, the incident underscores the ongoing struggle between separatist groups and the state, raising concerns about civilian safety and regional stability.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 11th, 2025
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