Quetta: Four killed and three injured in targeted attack on Shia Hazara vendors, protests ongoing
Four people were killed and three others injured in a shooting incident in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, on Sunday. The attack targeted members of the Shia Hazara community and took place in the Hazar Ganji area, a locality known for its wholesale market on the outskirts of the city.
Initial reports indicate that unidentified gunmen opened fire on vegetable vendors in the area, resulting in the loss of four lives and injuries to three others. The victims are believed to belong to the Hazara community, which has a history of facing violence and targeted attacks in the region. The injured were quickly transported to Civil Hospital Quetta, where medical officials confirmed that some of them were in critical condition.
Security forces arrived at the scene shortly after the incident and cordoned off the area to begin an investigation. As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Authorities have launched a probe to identify the perpetrators and determine the motive behind the targeted violence.
In response to the attack, protests erupted in different parts of Quetta. Demonstrators, including members of the Hazara community, staged a sit-in on the Western Bypass, placing the bodies of the victims on the road as a form of protest. The blockade caused significant traffic disruptions, leaving many commuters stranded for hours and further escalating tensions in the city.
The protesters demanded immediate justice, increased security measures, and accountability from authorities for failing to protect vulnerable communities. While officials have yet to issue a detailed statement, security across Quetta has reportedly been heightened in sensitive areas to prevent further violence and maintain order.
