Duki Terror Attack: 21 Coal Miners Killed in Tragic Incident

In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves across Pakistan, a terrorist attack in Duki has resulted in the deaths of at least 21 coal miners, including three Afghan nationals. This horrifying event took place in the early hours of Friday, approximately 10 kilometers from the Duki district headquarters. The attack, which involved militants firing rockets, throwing hand grenades, and opening indiscriminate fire, has not only claimed lives but also destroyed at least 10 coal mines and significant mining equipment.

According to officials, the assailants, numbering between 35 to 40, launched their assault by first targeting the mud houses where the miners resided. They used heavy weaponry, overwhelming the private security guards who attempted to resist the attack. The brutality of the assault was evident as some miners were killed inside their rooms, while others were lined up outside and shot dead. The Duki Station House Officer (SHO), Humayun Khan Nasar, reported that the attack resulted in the complete destruction of at least 10 mines, which caught fire during the chaos.

Eyewitness accounts reveal that the attackers employed drones to locate the miners, indicating a level of planning and sophistication that is alarming. The militants reportedly warned the miners to cease their work, a warning that went unheeded, leading to this devastating outcome. Following the attack, security forces quickly arrived at the scene, but by then, the terrorists had already fled.

The victims of this heinous act included miners from various regions, such as Zhob, Loralai, Kuchlak, Qila Saifullah, and Pishin, alongside the Afghan nationals identified as Abdul Wali, Ghulam Ali, and Hayatullah. The injured were rushed to the district hospital, where medical staff reported that many of the victims had sustained multiple bullet wounds, with some succumbing to their injuries shortly after arrival.

Mine owner Haji Khairullah Nasar expressed his concerns, stating that he and other coal mining owners had been receiving threats from militants for some time. However, they had no indication that such a large-scale attack was imminent. He claimed to have alerted the police and security forces as soon as he learned of the attack, but their response came too late.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, hundreds of laborers gathered to protest at Bacha Khan Chowk in Duki, demanding justice and criticizing the government and local administration for failing to provide adequate security for those working in the mining sector. The protests reflect a growing frustration among workers who feel increasingly vulnerable in their workplaces.

In response to the attack, Balochistan Governor Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail and Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti condemned the violence and called for immediate action against the perpetrators. The Chief Minister directed law enforcement agencies to surround the area and apprehend those responsible for this brutal act.

This tragic event highlights the ongoing challenges faced by workers in Pakistan's mining industry, where safety and security remain significant concerns. As the nation mourns the loss of these innocent lives, it is crucial for authorities to take decisive action to ensure the safety of all workers and to prevent such atrocities from occurring in the future. The need for improved security measures and a robust response to threats against laborers in vulnerable sectors cannot be overstated, as the lives of many depend on it.