Photo: Victim’s family and local residents protesting against the incident near Quetta airbase
A 12-year-old boy was killed in a reported shooting near Samungli Air Base in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, on Thursday.
According to reports, Hamza, son of Muhammad Nabi and a resident of Samungli, was found injured near the air base during the afternoon.
Residents initially took the injured boy to Bolan Medical Complex (BMC), from where he was later shifted to the Trauma Centre. Hospital sources said he succumbed to his injuries.
Following the incident, local residents staged a protest, placing the boy’s body at the site. His family members also continued their protest outside Samungli Air Base.
The family alleged that Hamza was shot by personnel of the Frontier Corps (FC), a Pakistani paramilitary force. According to family members, the protest outside the air base was held to demand accountability and an investigation into the incident.
Local reports also alleged FC involvement in the shooting. However, no official statement from the administration, the Frontier Corps or other security authorities was available at the time of reporting.
Incidents involving civilian casualties by alleged indiscriminate firing and mortar shelling by Pakistani forces have previously been reported in Balochistan. In recent years, residents and rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns over civilian deaths and injuries allegedly caused by mortar shelling, firing and other security-related incidents in various parts of the region, while authorities have often disputed or remained silent over such allegations.
The latest incident is likely to add to ongoing concerns regarding civilian safety in areas where security forces maintain a significant presence. At the time of reporting, no official inquiry into Hamza’s death had been announced.
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