Balochistan Assembly members protest killings in Quetta, seek independent probe

QUETTA: Lawmakers from both the opposition and treasury benches in the Balochistan Assembly on Tuesday protested the killing of a man in Quetta’s Sariab Road area, allegedly by the police’s Eagle Squad, as well as the killing of two vegetable sellers from the Hazara community.

During the assembly session, members called on Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti to set up a committee for an independent inquiry and to ensure the arrest of those responsible. The sitting was held after a two-day break and was chaired by Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai.

Calls for inquiry in Sariab Road killing

Balochistan Awami Party MPA Agha Umar Ahmedzai raised the matter at the start of the session and said a young man from his constituency had been shot dead by police. He demanded that a committee be formed to investigate the incident.

Opposition Leader Younas Aziz Zehri told the House that the victim had come from Noshki to donate blood and was allegedly shot dead by the Eagle Squad.

Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and Home Minister Ziaullah Langove informed the assembly that an investigation into the Sariab Road incident was already under way.

The chief minister said that, according to the initial report, the deceased, Khalid Sasoli, appeared to be innocent. He added that if the victim is proven innocent, the government will provide financial assistance to the family.

Concern over killing of Hazara vegetable sellers

PPP MPA Abdul Samad Gorgaj also brought up the Hazarganji incident and voiced serious concern over the killing of two vegetable sellers in the Akhtarabad area near the Western Bypass.

He told the House that the two men were returning to Hazara Town after buying vegetables from the wholesale market. He demanded the arrest of the attackers and called for stronger security arrangements for members of the Hazara community who travel for business.

BNP-Awami central president and MPA Asadullah Baloch also expressed concern over the incident and called for legislation to help prevent such attacks in the future.

The protests in the assembly reflected concern across party lines over the two incidents, with members pressing the provincial government for accountability and preventive measures.

Bugti and Langove told the House that the government had taken notice of the incidents. Members insisted that those involved in both cases be arrested and that steps be taken to improve protection for citizens, particularly vulnerable communities and those travelling for work.