Balochistan bar demands action after attack on senior lawyer’s son

QUETTA: The Balochistan High Court Bar Association (BHCBA) has condemned an armed attack on the son of a senior lawyer in Quetta and called for strict action against those responsible, while also urging the provincial government to move against armed groups and private guards operating across Balochistan.

At a press conference, BHCBA President Ataullah Langove, along with former Supreme Court Bar Association presidents Amanullah Kanrani, Mian Rauf Atta and Rahib Baloch, said those involved in the shooting should not be shown any leniency and must be brought to justice.

The bar leaders said armed men allegedly entered the house of senior lawyer Waseem Advocate on Thursday and opened fire on his son, Abdullah, leaving him seriously wounded. According to the lawyers, Abdullah’s mother came outside to protect her son, but the attackers also fired at her. They described the episode as a serious breach of tribal and social norms.

They further said the assailants also shot the family’s pet dog after it came out of the house following the incident.

Abdullah was taken to hospital, where doctors administered emergency treatment and saved his life, the lawyers said. However, because of the seriousness of his condition, he was later flown to Aga Khan University Hospital through the People’s Air Ambulance for further treatment.

The lawyers also acknowledged what they described as the personal efforts of Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, Balochistan High Court Chief Justice Kamran Mullahkhail, Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar and the chief secretary in arranging Abdullah’s transfer and announcing treatment at government expense.

Call for crackdown

The BHCBA leaders said armed groups were operating openly in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan, creating fear among the public. They called for immediate action against armed gangs, private guards and vehicles with tinted windows.

The condemnation by the legal community came as the association pressed the authorities to ensure accountability in the case and to address what it said was the wider issue of unchecked armed activity in the province.