QUETTA: Eighteen labourers working at a marble mine in the Naal area, about 40 kilometres from Khuzdar city, were abducted on Sunday, police told Dawn.
Key points
- A large group of armed men stormed the mine and held workers at gunpoint
- The son of a mine factory owner was also taken
- Security forces have launched a search operation; no group has claimed responsibility
How the abduction happened
Officials said the gunmen entered the mine premises, overpowered the workers and took 18 of them away. They also opened fire on one worker who tried to escape.
As they left, the attackers also drove off with a loader and two vehicles.
Who owns the mine
According to Dawn, the mine belongs to Sardar Alam Khan Bizenjo, the son of Bizenjo tribal chief Sardar Aslam Bizenjo. Aslam Bizenjo is affiliated with the National Party and has served as a minister in several Balochistan governments.
Search under way
Officials said security forces had begun a search operation in the area to recover the abducted workers. No group has so far claimed responsibility.
More on Dawn.