Gunmen Kill Seven Passengers in Targeted Attack in Southwest Pakistan

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In a tragic incident on February 19, 2025, seven bus passengers were shot dead by gunmen in southwest Pakistan's Balochistan province, reportedly after they were identified as being from the wealthier Punjab region, according to local officials. The attack occurred when assailants punctured the bus's tires and boarded the vehicle, demanding to see passengers' identity cards. Saadat Hussain, a senior government official, stated that the victims were lined up and executed upon being identified.

Balochistan has been plagued by sectarian, ethnic, and separatist violence for decades, with rising attacks against ethnic Punjabis, the largest and most prosperous group in Pakistan. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), known for its violent campaigns against the state, has been blamed for various attacks over the years but no group has yet claimed responsibility for this latest atrocity. According to reports, at least 67 individuals, primarily security personnel, have been killed by armed groups in similar incidents since the start of the year.

The violence comes as Pakistan prepares to host the Champions Trophy tournament, with enhanced security measures in place across major cities.

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