.png)
 |
| Senior leader of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) party Mufti Noorjai was gunned down in Quetta, Pakistan. |
According to local police, the attack left Mufti Noorjai severely injured. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, but due to the severity of his injuries, he succumbed to his wounds. Hospital officials confirmed that the senior JUI leader was declared dead shortly after his arrival.
The security forces have launched an investigation into the attack, although no group or individual has yet claimed responsibility for the murder. This incident has added to the growing concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the region, especially amidst an increasing wave of terrorist attacks in recent months.
Also read | Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st T20I: Black Caps Dominate, Pakistan Reeling at 91 All
Recent Surge in Terror Attacks
The murder of Mufti Abdul Baqi Noorjai comes at a time when Balochistan has been plagued by a series of deadly attacks. On Sunday, a convoy of Pakistani soldiers traveling from Quetta to Taftan was targeted in a terrorist assault, resulting in the deaths of seven soldiers and leaving 21 others injured. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) later took responsibility for the attack, claiming that 90 Pakistani soldiers had been killed in the incident, although the Pakistani authorities have not officially verified this figure.
The BLA has been active in the region for years, fighting for greater autonomy for Balochistan and has frequently targeted military and government personnel. Their recent activities have escalated tensions, and the group’s ongoing insurgency continues to destabilize the province.
Also read | Veteran Actor Deb Mukherjee, Father of Director Ayan Mukherjee, Passes Away
Hijacking of Jafar Express Train
In an earlier attack on March 11, the BLA militants hijacked the Jafar Express train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar. The train, which was scheduled to reach Sibbi at 1:30 PM, was intercepted in the Bolan area, specifically at the Mashfaq Tunnel. According to reports, the BLA militants had meticulously planned the hijacking. They had positioned their fighters in advance, and the most lethal brigades, including the Majid Brigade and Fateh, were deployed to carry out the operation.
The hijacking was part of the BLA's larger strategy to further intimidate and destabilize the region, drawing attention to their cause and continuing their campaign of violence and insurgency.
Ongoing Security Challenges
The series of violent incidents in Balochistan highlights the growing security challenges that the Pakistani government faces in maintaining law and order in the region. The insurgent activity, combined with the threat of terrorism, has made Balochistan a hotbed of instability. The authorities have struggled to curb the violence, despite increasing military operations and security measures.
The assassination of a high-profile political figure like Mufti Noorjai sends a chilling message about the vulnerability of both political and military targets in the region. His death has raised alarms about the increasing risk faced by politicians and activists, particularly those who oppose or challenge the insurgent groups operating in the province.
Also read | Strengthening India's Air Defence: Decoding the ₹2,906 Crore Radar Deal with
A Call for Action
In the wake of the attack, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the violence, with calls for stronger measures to ensure the safety of citizens and political figures. As investigations into Mufti Noorjai’s murder continue, the people of Balochistan and Pakistan await answers, hoping for justice and an end to the cycle of violence that has plagued the region for far too long.
The situation remains tense, and with the frequency of attacks continuing to rise, the need for a concerted effort to restore peace and security in Balochistan has never been more urgent.
Also read | Who is Gauri Spratt? 5 Exclusive Things About Aamir Khan's New Girlfriend
