In a recent incident in Kech, Balochistan, Pakistani forces have allegedly shot dead a vehicle driver along the Goldsmid Line, which separates the western (Iran-administered) and eastern (Pakistan-administered) regions of Balochistan. The incident occurred on Monday at the Abdoui border near Apsikan, a village in the Tump district.
The deceased driver has been identified as Shoaib, son of Abdul Hameed, a resident of Goburd Mand. Local sources informed The Balochistan Post correspondent that Shoaib had been engaged in trading petrol and diesel across the border area for the last two years.
According to fellow traders, Shoaib, along with a group, traveled from Goburd to Apsikan on Sunday. Due to their late arrival, they decided to stay overnight, planning to approach the FC check post at the border in the morning to negotiate crossing.
The next morning, after Shoaib did not return for several hours, his colleagues approached a nearby police checkpoint for information. The police then inquired from personnel at the FC check post, who initially denied any knowledge of Shoaib’s presence. However, further inquiry by the police from the main camp of Pakistani forces revealed that an incident had occurred around 3 am, leading to Shoaib’s death. His body was subsequently handed over to the Abdoui police. The traders assert that Shoaib was with them during the night and had only gone to the check post in the morning.
Sources from Mand reported that Shoaib’s family, while bringing his body to Turbat to join the ongoing protest by Balach’s family, were stopped by forces at Mandeeg Kaur (Mand River). They were allegedly threatened and instructed to turn back.
The specifics surrounding the shooting remain unclear. This incident, however, is reflective of a pattern of similar allegations previously leveled against Pakistani forces, especially concerning their interactions with oil traders operating between the borders.