QUETTA: Indian-backed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) terrorists have intensified their campaign of violence against civilians and workers in Balochistan, with five truck drivers abducted near Mastung in the latest attack, as militants increasingly target ordinary people trying to earn a living and support their families, Pakistani authorities said.
On 27 August, the terrorist intercepted five trucks near Anjeeri Cross in Khad Kocha, Mastung, as the vehicles were travelling along the N-25 highway from Quetta towards Karachi. The drivers were abducted along with their vehicles.
The incident is the latest in a series of attacks targeting people engaged in routine economic activity across the province.
Transporters And Workers Targeted
On 26 August, terrorists intercepted three Mazda trucks in the Rodenjo area of Kalat and abducted four drivers and three conductors along with the vehicles.
Days earlier, on 21 August, terrorists targeted orchard workers in Geet, Khad Kocha, killing four workers and injuring three, according to authorities.
On 11 August, four workers were also abducted from a chromite mine near Chehater in Chagai.
Similar incidents involving workers and civilians have been reported in Basima, Turbat and Khuzdar.
The attacks have increasingly brought ordinary workers, drivers and labourers into the line of fire, raising concerns over the impact of terrorist violence on livelihoods and economic activity in Balochistan.
Attacks Threaten Livelihoods
Pakistani authorities have condemned the attacks as deliberate attempts to intimidate civilians and disrupt economic activity in the province.
Truck drivers, mine workers, orchard labourers and other workers provide essential services and support families through their daily work.
Targeting them not only threatens individual lives but also creates insecurity along highways, transport routes and commercial sites.
Authorities have described the attacks as a form of economic terrorism, arguing that the targeting of workers and transporters is intended to undermine development and deepen fear among local communities.
State Vows Action Against Militants
Pakistani authorities have vowed to pursue BLA terrorists and dismantle networks involved in attacks against civilians, workers and economic infrastructure.
The government maintains that the terrorist groups responsible for such attacks are acting against the interests of the people of Balochistan, particularly communities dependent on transport, mining, agriculture and other forms of economic activity.
Security forces have continued operations aimed at preventing terrorist attacks and protecting civilians and economic activity across the province.
Pakistan says its efforts will remain focused on denying terrorist groups the ability to intimidate local communities, disrupt livelihoods or obstruct development in Balochistan.
