A sessions judge and his security guard were killed in a gun attack in Balochistan’s Mastung district on Thursday. The attack also injured an additional sessions judge and another person, raising security concerns in the province.
The incident occurred in the Wali Khan area when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a vehicle carrying judges from Quetta to the Sessions Court in Mastung. Sessions Judge Abdul Hakeem Kakar was killed in the attack.
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Additional Sessions Judge Tariq Lashari and another individual sustained critical injuries and were shifted to a hospital for medical treatment. Authorities launched efforts to investigate the attack and identify those responsible.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the assault and expressed grief over the deaths of Judge Kakar and his security guard. He also prayed for the recovery of the injured victims.
Meanwhile, Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langau described the attack as a tragic incident. He said the judiciary plays an important role in upholding justice and serving society.
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Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind called the attack a challenge to the state’s authority. He said targeting judges and lawyers was part of attempts to create instability in the province.
The provincial government vowed action against those responsible and pledged to continue operations against terrorist networks. Authorities also directed officials to provide the injured with the best possible medical care.