A man identified as Shakeel s/o Dr. Abdul Hameed, has been killed by unknown gunmen in the Panjgur district of Balochistan.
Local sources report that Shakeel was affiliated with state-backed armed groups, known locally as ‘Death Squads.’
The motives behind the attack remain unclear. However, Baloch ‘pro-independence’ armed groups have previously claimed responsibility for similar incidents, targeting individuals they accuse of collaborating with state forces.
According to Baloch nationalists, ‘Death Squads’ are local militias created and controlled by the Pakistani military. They are allegedly used to target ‘pro-independence’ political activists.
These militias also reportedly assist Pakistani security forces in raids throughout Balochistan. In return, the Pakistani authorities allegedly allow them to operate with impunity, engaging in activities such as robberies, drug trafficking, and kidnapping for ransom.