QUETTA: Eighteen labourers working at a marble mine in the Naal area, about 40 kilometres from Khuzdar city, were abducted on Sunday, police told the media.
Security forces have launched a search operation; no group has claimed responsibility.
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.
According to sources, 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.
Officials said security forces had begun a search operation in the area to recover the abducted workers. No group has so far claimed responsibility.