A heavily armed group of unidentified assailants attacked the security convoy of Balochistan’s Provincial Home Minister, Mir Ziaullah Lango, in the Kath Kucha (Kand Umrani) area of Mastung district on Friday afternoon, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire that lasted 15 to 20 minutes, officials confirmed.

The minister, who was traveling as part of a high-profile security detail, remained unharmed in the assault. However, five police and security personnel sustained bullet wounds and were rushed to Nawab Ghous Bakhsh Raisani Memorial Hospital in Mastung for initial medical treatment. They were later shifted to Quetta in stable condition for specialized care.

According to police sources, the attackers opened indiscriminate fire on the convoy from multiple directions. Security forces on site responded with “effective and heavy retaliatory fire,” forcing the assailants to retreat. A search operation has been launched in the surrounding hills to track down the perpetrators.

Among the injured, three personnel are reported to be from the Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF), while two belong to the local police. Their names have not been officially released pending family notifications.

Shortly after the attack, Minister Lango personally visited the hospital to inquire about the health of the wounded officers and commended their bravery. Addressing the media outside the hospital, he reaffirmed his resolve against terrorism.

“Such cowardly attacks cannot lower our morale. Our love and commitment to Pakistan is unshakable, and we will continue to serve the people of Balochistan without any fear,” said Lango. He added that elements hostile to peace are attempting to destabilize the province but will fail in the face of the nation’s unity and the security forces' professionalism.

The attack comes amid a recent uptick in targeted assaults on government officials and security convoys in Balochistan. Authorities have cordoned off the area, and forensic teams are collecting evidence from the scene.

No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the assault, though security analysts suspect the involvement of banned militant outfits operating in the region.

The Balochistan Home Department has urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies.

Published in Balochistan Dispatch, August 14th , 2026