A family vacation to Balochistan ended in tragedy after a Karachi-based businessman was shot dead and his wife injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicle in the Dasht area of Mastung district.

The victim, identified as Ali Murtaza Jamil, had traveled to Quetta with his wife and two young daughters for a short sightseeing trip. The family had visited several tourist destinations, including Ziarat and Hanna Urak, before deciding to return to Karachi late Friday night.

Wrong Turn Leads to Remote Area

According to preliminary findings, the family mistakenly left the main Quetta-Karachi highway and entered the Quetta-Sibi route before eventually reaching the Dasht area, where the attack took place.

Authorities are investigating whether the family lost their way due to unfamiliarity with the route or because of incorrect navigation guidance. Officials say it is too early to determine the exact cause until the investigation is completed.

Attack Leaves One Dead, Wife Injured

Police said unidentified armed men opened fire on the family's vehicle near Dasht Kambela in Mastung district.

Ali Murtaza Jamil was killed at the scene, while his wife sustained multiple gunshot wounds. She was initially taken to the Trauma Center at Civil Hospital Quetta before being shifted to Karachi for further medical treatment. Doctors have said she is out of immediate danger.

The couple's two young daughters, who were also inside the vehicle during the attack, survived without physical injuries but are reported to be suffering from severe psychological trauma.

Friend Says Family Was Advised Against Night Travel

A close friend who hosted the family in Quetta said Ali Murtaza had been encouraged to postpone his departure until the following morning.

According to the friend, the businessman insisted on leaving at night because he had important commitments in Karachi and wanted to return as soon as possible.

Sensitive Security Area

Police officials familiar with the investigation said the shooting occurred in an area that has previously witnessed militant activity and security operations.

Investigators said emergency responders and security personnel later reached the scene and transported the injured woman and children to Quetta.

Family Calls for Better Safety Measures

Speaking after the incident, the victim's father expressed deep grief over the loss of his son and questioned the safety of travelers visiting Balochistan.

He said his son had always viewed Balochistan as a welcoming province and had traveled there for tourism, believing it to be part of his own country. He urged authorities to ensure adequate protection for visitors so that similar tragedies do not occur in the future.

Government Orders Investigation

Balochistan Interior Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove condemned the attack, describing the killing of innocent civilians as unacceptable and contrary to the province's traditions of hospitality.

He said law enforcement agencies had been directed to identify and arrest those responsible, adding that the provincial government would provide every possible assistance to the victim's family.

Government spokesperson Babar Yousafzai said a full investigation is underway and authorities remain committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice.

No Group Has Claimed Responsibility

Although officials suspect the involvement of outlawed militant elements operating in the region, no organization had claimed responsibility for the attack at the time of publication.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities say further details will be released as evidence is collected.