3 members of a Karachi-based Qawwali group killed and over a dozen injured in a terrorist attack on a passenger coach near Nimargh Cross, Kalat, Balochistan. The group was traveling to Quetta to perform at a Qawwali event when unidentified assailants opened fire and hurled hand grenades from the surrounding hills.
Among the injured was well-known Qawwal Nadeem Sabri, who confirmed the incident during a media interaction. He stated that the group was close to reaching their destination when their bus came under attack. Sabri questioned the motive behind the attack, stating, “We are Qawwals, we recite Naats and Durood, what was our crime?”
Qawwal Majid Sabri also spoke to the media, confirming that his brother Ahmad Sabri and nephew Raza Sabri were among the deceased. He added that a total of 17 group members were on board the coach at the time of the attack.
According to Balochistan Police, the attack took place at Nimargh Cross, where armed men ambushed the coach, firing from elevated terrain and using hand grenades. The bus driver reportedly refused to stop, prompting the attackers to fire indiscriminately. Three individuals died on the spot while more than twelve sustained injuries.
The injured and deceased shifted to DHQ Hospital, where an emergency declared. Hospital authorities confirmed that the condition of two injured persons is critical.
Spokesperson for the Balochistan government, Shahid Rind, confirmed that Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has taken notice of the incident and directed the Inspector General of Police and Additional Secretary for Home to submit an immediate report. Police and Frontier Corps have launched a search operation in the area.
Victims’ Funeral and Family Statements
Majid Sabri confirmed that the funeral prayers of the deceased Qawwals will be held after Friday prayers at KMC Park, PIB Colony, Karachi. Family members of the injured, including Imran Sabri and Faisal Sabri, appealed to senior government officials to shift them from Balochistan to Karachi so they can attend the funeral.
The family said that funeral will be held after Asr prayers but as their three brothers, Imran, Faisal, and Nasir are still in Quetta they are postponing it. They have demanded urgent help by the authorities to guarantee their safe transfer.
