QUETTA: Caretaker Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Ali Mardan Domki has asked the authorities concerned to interrogate the owner of the house, where six labourers were killed, and directed deputy commissioners across Makran division to ensure registration of all those coming from other provinces to work in the area.

The killing of six labourers in Turbat was a tragic incident and negligence of the local administration and police could not be overlooked, said Mr Domki while addressing a press conference at the CM House on Monday.

“It is not only a heinous crime but also against our traditions to kill guests who come here to work to earn livelihood for their poor families.”

Mr Domki admitted that the law and order situation in the province was not ideal or satisfactory and the government was taking this issue very seriously and it was taking all possible steps to ensure law and order in the province.

Caretaker CM asks officials to grill owner of home where six labourers were targeted

“Negligence of the local administration and police could not be ignored in the Turbat incident as the tragedy has taken place in a police area,” Mr Domki said, adding that the Turbat superintendent of police has been suspended and a new officer has been posted there.

“Security agencies are investigating the incident and I have asked the authorities to interrogate the owner of the house where these labourers were targeted,” the chief minister said, adding that he would visit Turbat on Oct 22 to look into the matter. He said the government has directed all deputy commissioners of Makran division to register all labourers who come from other provinces for work in the area.

In reply to another question about sending back illegal Afghan nationals to their country, he said Afghans are our brothers and we have no objection if they come to Pakistan legally.

“We will welcome them if they abide by border-crossing rules and regulations and enter Pakistan after obtaining a valid visa on a passport,” he said, adding that no country in the world allowed foreigners to cross international borders without valid visas and passports.

“Pakistan has decided to implement the laws for crossing its border,” he said. He also defended the ban on rallies under Section 144 of the criminal procedure code in Quetta and said the measure had been taken in view of the serious situation and in order to ensure the safety of people.

Published in Dawn, October 17th, 2023