Tragic Attack in Zhob: Nine Punjabi Victims Laid to Rest Amid Security Measures
Nine Punjabi passengers were brutally killed in a terrorist attack by the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) in Zhob, Balochistan. The victims, who were forcibly removed from a passenger bus and executed after identity checks, have now been laid to rest in their respective hometowns across Punjab under strict security arrangements.
The victims included two brothers, Usman and Jabir, from Dunyapur, along with Bilawal (23) from Gujrat, Sheikh Majid from Faisalabad, Junaid from Lahore, Muhammad Asif from Muzaffargarh, Muhammad Irfan from Dera Ghazi Khan, Ghulam Saeed from Khanewal, and Sabir from Gujranwala. Their bodies were transported on Friday to their native towns and handed over to grieving families.
In Dunyapur, a heart-wrenching joint funeral was held for the brothers, Usman and Jabir, who were buried together in Chowk Qureshi amid scenes of anguish and sorrow. Sheikh Majid, a clothing trader who had been working in Loralai, was buried in Faisalabad. He leaves behind a widow, his mother, and three siblings. Bilawal, who had recently returned from Dubai and was visiting friends in Quetta, was laid to rest in Gujrat.
Junaid, a resident of Lahore, had been returning from his in-laws in Quetta when he fell victim to the attack. His martyrdom cast a pall of grief over his neighborhood, where residents demanded swift and decisive action from the government.
Details of the Attack
According to official sources, the attackers—identified as terrorists affiliated with the group calling itself “Fitna-ul-Hindustan”—abducted nine passengers from a bus traveling from Quetta to Lahore late Thursday night. All victims were reportedly from Punjab.
This latest massacre has drawn chilling parallels to a similar attack in April 2024 in Nushki, where nine Punjabi travelers were also executed by militants in a targeted act of ethnic violence. These incidents highlight the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups operating in the region.
Impact on Families and Communities
The loss of these individuals has deeply affected their families and communities. Each victim had a unique story and left behind loved ones who are now grappling with their tragic loss. In many cases, the victims were returning from trips or visits, making the circumstances of their deaths even more heartbreaking.
The attack has sparked widespread outrage and calls for increased security measures to protect citizens from such acts of violence. Local leaders and community members have emphasized the need for stronger government action to prevent future attacks and ensure the safety of all residents.
Ongoing Concerns and Calls for Action
The repeated occurrence of such attacks raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of current security strategies and the need for a coordinated response to combat terrorism. Experts suggest that addressing the root causes of extremism and improving intelligence-sharing between different regions could help prevent future incidents.
As the victims are laid to rest, their families and communities continue to mourn their loss while demanding justice and accountability. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the region and the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the growing threat of terrorism.
The events in Zhob underscore the importance of vigilance, unity, and collective effort in the face of such violence. It is a call to action for authorities to take decisive steps to safeguard the lives of innocent people and restore a sense of security in the region.
