As the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit approaches, a tragic incident has occurred in Pakistan’s Balochistan region. Reports indicate that 20 people were killed and several others injured in a shooting at a coal mine. Many of the injured are in critical condition. Preliminary reports suggest that the Taliban may be behind the attack.
The gunmen targeted the residential area where the coal miners were staying. According to police officials, the attackers stormed the area late last night, lined up the workers, and opened fire. Among the victims, three were Afghan nationals. The attackers also used rockets and grenades during the assault. Authorities have launched a search operation to apprehend the culprits.
This incident is part of a series of violent attacks in Pakistan. Just last week, two Chinese nationals were killed in a blast in Karachi, for which the Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility.
At the same time, tensions between the Pakistani government and the Taliban have been escalating. Recently, the Taliban issued a warning to Pakistan, threatening to block Pakistan’s trade access to Central Asia if trade disruptions persist. Afghan traders have faced increasing obstacles, particularly during harvest season, which has led to heightened tensions between the two nations.
Due to these ongoing security concerns and in preparation for the upcoming SCO summit, Pakistani authorities have announced that restaurants, wedding halls, cafes, and clubs in Islamabad and Rawalpindi will be temporarily closed from October 12 to 16. On October 15, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar is expected to visit Pakistan to participate in the summit, marking the first visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in nine years.
