QUETTA: A prominent tribal elder and the son of a former Balochistan chief min­ister was gunned down by unknown armed men in an attack in the Aranji area of Khuzdar district on Sunday.

Attaur Rehman Mengal was killed and his son Matiur Rehman Mengal was injured in the firing and was immediately shifted to the Khuzdar district hospital.

The deceased was the son of Naseer Mengal, former caretaker chief minister and former ambassador to Qatar.

He was also the brother of notorious outlaw Shafiq Mengal.

“Unknown armed men attacked at the guesthouse in Aranji area where Attaur Rehman Mengal was staying along with his son in the early hours,” Khuzdar Deputy Commi­ssioner Yasar Iqbal Dashti said, adding that a heavy exchange of fire took place between Mr Mengal guards and armed attackers.

“Attaur Rehman died on the spot as he received multiple bullet injuries,” he said.

The armed men escaped after firing.

Security forces rushed to the site soon after receiving information about the incident and cordoned off the area.

Mr Mengal’s body was brought to his native Badri village in Wadh for in Wadh for funeral. He was laid to rest in his ancestral graveyard.

Meanwhile, Levies personnel have collected evidence from the guesthouse.

A motive has yet to be established and no one has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti expressed deep sorrow and grief over the assassination of Mr Mengal.

The chief minister also wished a swift recovery for his son, who was injured in the attack.

Published in Dawn, June 23rd, 2025