QUETTA: At least five people including father and son were killed by unknown gunmen in what appears to be a sectarian attack near Quetta’s Bacha Khan Chowk on Sunday.

Police sources said suspected militants opened fire at two shops near Bacha Khan Chowk, the city’s commercial hub killing five people on the spot. One person was also injured as a result of firing.

The attackers managed a clean getaway from the scene. According to reports, the killed people are belonging to the Hazara community.

The police and law enforcement agencies have cordoned off the area and began search operation.

Relatives of the deceased stage a protest at Meezan Chowk and called for the arrest of attackers.

Chief Minister Balochistan Abdul Malik Baloch took notice of the incident and asked for an immediate report. He condemned the inhuman act.

“Strict action will be taken against the elements involved in the target killing,” he said.

The chief minister expressed sympathy with the bereaved families and promised all possible help to them.

Soon after the incident, markets were immediately shut in various areas of the city including Circular Road, Mission Road, and Sooraj Ganj Bazaar.

The bodies of the deceased as well as the injured person were shifted to CMH Hospital and Civil Hospital.

In the past few days, more than half-a-dozen Hazara community were also gunned down in Quetta. DNA 

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