The Project Manager of the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC), Shabat Mirza, lost his life in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast targeting his vehicle in Quetta. The incident occurred on Sunday, sending shockwaves through the region.
According to Quetta Senior Superintendent of Police (Operations) Jawad Tariq, the deadly blast took place as Shabat Mirza was traveling to the Sor Range in a car, accompanied by his driver, Muhammad Zakir. Mirza was fatally injured in the explosion, and regrettably, he passed away on the spot, while his driver sustained critical injuries. Muhammad Zakir was promptly transported to the Quetta Civil Hospital Trauma Centre for medical attention.
Initial investigations by law enforcement officials have revealed that explosives were planted on the side of the road, which was triggered as the vehicle passed by. The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has cordoned off the blast site and initiated the collection of evidence to determine the culprits behind this heinous act.
Sor Range, the location of the incident, is situated in a mountainous region, making the area more challenging for authorities to navigate and investigate. CTD officials are currently interviewing local residents to gather further information that may lead to the identification of those responsible for the attack.
This tragic incident comes in the midst of a recent surge in terrorist activities in the Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions. Just last month, a devastating suicide bombing during a procession celebrating the birth of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in Mastung claimed the lives of at least 59 people. Following this horrific attack, the Balochistan government had declared an “all-out war” against terrorists operating in the province, indicating their determination to bring an end to such acts of violence and terror.
The loss of Shabat Mirza, a dedicated public servant and PMDC project manager, has sent shockwaves across the nation. His untimely demise serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by terrorism in the region, prompting renewed calls for enhanced security measures and a resolute commitment to counteract the menace of terrorism in Balochistan and beyond.
