Gunmen killed 20 miners and injured seven others in southwest Pakistan, a police official confirmed on Friday. The attack occurred late Thursday night in Duki district when armed men stormed the workers’ accommodations at a coal mine. The assailants gathered the miners before opening fire, according to police officer Hamayun Khan Nasir.
Most of the victims were from Pashtun-speaking areas of Balochistan. Among the deceased were three Afghans, with four more Afghans injured.
This violent incident comes just days before the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad on October 16 and 17. Various heads of state, including Chinese Premier Li Qiang, are expected to attend. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar will visit Pakistan for the summit on October 15, marking his first trip to the country. This will be the first visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan since Sushma Swaraj’s visit in December 2015.
Ahead of the summit, security measures have been intensified. Restaurants, wedding halls, cafes, and snooker clubs in Islamabad and Rawalpindi will be temporarily closed from October 12 to 16.
Balochistan, rich in oil and mineral resources, has separatist groups seeking independence. These groups accuse Islamabad of exploiting the province’s resources at the expense of local residents.
On Monday, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for an attack on Chinese nationals outside Karachi’s largest airport. Thousands of Chinese workers are in Pakistan, mainly due to Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Associated Press reports gunmen killing 20 miners and wounding seven in Pakistan’s southwest, highlighting the escalating violence in Balochistan province.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened in Duki district, Pakistan?
Gunmen killed 20 miners and injured seven others at a coal mine.
Who were the victims of the attack?
Most victims were from Pashtun-speaking areas of Balochistan; three were Afghans.
When is the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit happening?
The summit is on October 16 and 17 in Islamabad.
What measures are being taken ahead of the SCO summit?
Security has been intensified, and various public venues will be closed from October 12 to 16.
Why is Balochistan significant?
Balochistan is rich in oil and mineral resources and has separatist groups seeking independence.