KARACHI: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti on Tuesday announced that his government would bear the cost of medical treatment for the widow of Ali Murtaza Jamil, a businessman who was shot dead in an armed attack in Dasht, Balochistan.

He made this announcement while visiting the trader’s Karachi residence to offer condolences to the bereaved family.

The chief minister also said the government would finance the education of Jamil’s children and assured the family of every possible support in the wake of the tragedy.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the family, CM Bugti said security forces “had already responded to the attack by eliminating three terrorists at the site where Jamil embraced martyrdom”.

Condemning the killing in strong words, the chief minister described it as a heinous act that was against Balochistan’s traditions and values. “This was a despicable act. Guests are not treated in this manner. On behalf of the people of Balochistan, I strongly condemn this incident. Such events cannot simply be brushed aside,” he added.

“People are creating a negative perception, but that is not the reality. People travel to Quetta regularly, and many also visit the province for tourism and recreation,” he said while urging people not to view the province solely through the prism of violence, as the isolated terrorist incidents should not define Balochistan.

The chief minister said it was premature to draw conclusions about the circumstances surrounding the attack, adding that a special investigation team had been constituted to probe the incident.

Published in Dawn, July 1st, 2026