Day: July 9, 2026

Quetta: Deputy Inspector General of Police Quetta Imran Shaukat announced on Wednesday that five suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of a local restaurant’s owner, Muhammad Hashim Noorzai.

Imran Shaukat revealed that the prime suspect, Hikmatullah Noorzai, confessed to planning the killing with his brother, Saadullah Noorzai, over a business dispute worth approximately Rs. 160 million. Saadullah remains at large, with police teams conducting raids to secure his arrest.

According to investigators, Hikmatullah, accompanied by his gunmen Jan Muhammad Noorzai and Amanullah Noorzai, pursued the victim in a black Toyota Revo registered under his brother’s name. At an opportune moment, they intercepted Hashim Noorzai’s vehicle and opened fire. Hikmatullah first shot from inside the car, then stepped out to fire again, killing the victim on the spot.

DIG Imran Shaukat explained that the case, which occurred on June 27, 2026, was handed over to the Serious Crime Investigation Wing (SCIW) due to its sensitivity. SCIW formed three specialized teams from the Homicide Unit and Analysis Wing, employing modern forensic and technical methods. CCTV footage, digital forensics, and technical evidence helped trace the suspects’ movements.

Two motorcyclists, Mir Khan and Dilawar Khan, were arrested for conducting reconnaissance of the victim’s home and daily routine. Their information led to the capture of Hikmatullah, who confessed to the crime.

Among those detained are two men accused of conducting surveillance of the victim. Police also recovered the murder weapon during the investigation.

Jan Muhammad and Amanullah were arrested while attempting to flee in a white Toyota Altis. Police recovered a cache of weapons, including a Kalashnikov, an LMG with ammunition, and four rifles, which the suspects were trying to smuggle out of the city.

Imran Shaukat noted that Saadullah Noorzai, the fugitive brother, even attended the victim’s funeral and protest sit-in to deflect suspicion. He emphasized that Quetta Police had solved the case in record time, underscoring their commitment to protecting lives and property.

Highlighting SCIW’s recent successes, Imran Shaukat said the wing had traced five blind murder cases in the past two months using advanced technology. These included the May 9 killing of a youth named Waleed in Gawalmandi, solved through CCTV and tenancy records, and the April 30 discovery of Javed Sheikh’s body in Zarghoonabad, where Shah Muhammad was arrested with the murder weapon. In another case, SCIW identified the prime suspect in the May 24 murder of Mehmood Khan in Shalkot through CCTV and call data records.

The DIG urged citizens to register tenancy forms with local police stations to aid in identifying criminal elements. He reaffirmed that SCIW remains committed to bringing perpetrators of serious crimes to justice through scientific investigation and professional inquiry.

Quetta: Deputy Inspector General of Police Quetta Imran Shaukat announced on Wednesday that five suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of a local restaurant’s owner, Muhammad Hashim Noorzai.

Imran Shaukat revealed that the prime suspect, Hikmatullah Noorzai, confessed to planning the killing with his brother, Saadullah Noorzai, over a business dispute worth approximately Rs. 160 million. Saadullah remains at large, with police teams conducting raids to secure his arrest.

According to investigators, Hikmatullah, accompanied by his gunmen Jan Muhammad Noorzai and Amanullah Noorzai, pursued the victim in a black Toyota Revo registered under his brother’s name. At an opportune moment, they intercepted Hashim Noorzai’s vehicle and opened fire. Hikmatullah first shot from inside the car, then stepped out to fire again, killing the victim on the spot.

DIG Imran Shaukat explained that the case, which occurred on June 27, 2026, was handed over to the Serious Crime Investigation Wing (SCIW) due to its sensitivity. SCIW formed three specialized teams from the Homicide Unit and Analysis Wing, employing modern forensic and technical methods. CCTV footage, digital forensics, and technical evidence helped trace the suspects’ movements.

Two motorcyclists, Mir Khan and Dilawar Khan, were arrested for conducting reconnaissance of the victim’s home and daily routine. Their information led to the capture of Hikmatullah, who confessed to the crime.

Among those detained are two men accused of conducting surveillance of the victim. Police also recovered the murder weapon during the investigation.

Jan Muhammad and Amanullah were arrested while attempting to flee in a white Toyota Altis. Police recovered a cache of weapons, including a Kalashnikov, an LMG with ammunition, and four rifles, which the suspects were trying to smuggle out of the city.

Imran Shaukat noted that Saadullah Noorzai, the fugitive brother, even attended the victim’s funeral and protest sit-in to deflect suspicion. He emphasized that Quetta Police had solved the case in record time, underscoring their commitment to protecting lives and property.

Highlighting SCIW’s recent successes, Imran Shaukat said the wing had traced five blind murder cases in the past two months using advanced technology. These included the May 9 killing of a youth named Waleed in Gawalmandi, solved through CCTV and tenancy records, and the April 30 discovery of Javed Sheikh’s body in Zarghoonabad, where Shah Muhammad was arrested with the murder weapon. In another case, SCIW identified the prime suspect in the May 24 murder of Mehmood Khan in Shalkot through CCTV and call data records.

The DIG urged citizens to register tenancy forms with local police stations to aid in identifying criminal elements. He reaffirmed that SCIW remains committed to bringing perpetrators of serious crimes to justice through scientific investigation and professional inquiry.

Quetta: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has lauded the bravery, professionalism, and timely actions of security forces following successful operations against terrorists in various parts of the province.

In a statement, Sarfraz Bugti expressed satisfaction over the performance of the Pakistan Army, Balochistan Police, Frontier Corps, and other law enforcement agencies, describing their efforts as a testament to their dedication and skill. He said recent terrorist incidents were part of a planned and malicious conspiracy aimed at destabilizing Pakistan’s peace, progress, and national unity. However, he emphasized that the state, government, and people possess the strength and resolve to defeat every such plot.

Sarfraz Bugti noted that attempts to undermine Balochistan’s peace and development through terrorism had failed in the past and would continue to fail. He highlighted that the courageous response of security personnel had proven that Pakistan’s defenders are fully capable of confronting any threat.

Paying tribute to the martyrs, the Chief Minister said their sacrifices for the nation’s peace and public safety are a source of pride for the entire country and will be remembered forever. He pointed to successful operations in Kharan and Dalbandin as clear evidence of the state’s determination to eradicate terrorism.

Sarfraz Bugti reaffirmed that indiscriminate action will continue against terrorists, their facilitators, and patrons, stressing that no one will be allowed to sabotage Balochistan’s peace, future, or ongoing development. ‘Balochistan is the soul and pride of Pakistan,’ he declared, vowing that every conspiracy against its stability will be thwarted through unity between the people and the state.

He assured that the provincial government is utilizing all available resources to protect lives and property, establish lasting peace, and ensure comprehensive development. CM Sarfraz Bugti reiterated his commitment that terrorists and their supporters will be brought to justice wherever they are found, and that the fight against terrorism will continue with full force, national solidarity, and unwavering resolve until the last militant is eliminated.

Quetta: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has lauded the bravery, professionalism, and timely actions of security forces following successful operations against terrorists in various parts of the province.

In a statement, Sarfraz Bugti expressed satisfaction over the performance of the Pakistan Army, Balochistan Police, Frontier Corps, and other law enforcement agencies, describing their efforts as a testament to their dedication and skill. He said recent terrorist incidents were part of a planned and malicious conspiracy aimed at destabilizing Pakistan’s peace, progress, and national unity. However, he emphasized that the state, government, and people possess the strength and resolve to defeat every such plot.

Sarfraz Bugti noted that attempts to undermine Balochistan’s peace and development through terrorism had failed in the past and would continue to fail. He highlighted that the courageous response of security personnel had proven that Pakistan’s defenders are fully capable of confronting any threat.

Paying tribute to the martyrs, the Chief Minister said their sacrifices for the nation’s peace and public safety are a source of pride for the entire country and will be remembered forever. He pointed to successful operations in Kharan and Dalbandin as clear evidence of the state’s determination to eradicate terrorism.

Sarfraz Bugti reaffirmed that indiscriminate action will continue against terrorists, their facilitators, and patrons, stressing that no one will be allowed to sabotage Balochistan’s peace, future, or ongoing development. ‘Balochistan is the soul and pride of Pakistan,’ he declared, vowing that every conspiracy against its stability will be thwarted through unity between the people and the state.

He assured that the provincial government is utilizing all available resources to protect lives and property, establish lasting peace, and ensure comprehensive development. CM Sarfraz Bugti reiterated his commitment that terrorists and their supporters will be brought to justice wherever they are found, and that the fight against terrorism will continue with full force, national solidarity, and unwavering resolve until the last militant is eliminated.

Quetta: Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Balochistan Assembly, chaired by Asghar Ali Tareen, reviewed the special audit report of the Balochistan Pavilion and Investment Conference held at Dubai Expo 2020. The committee decided to summon the officials responsible for organizing the event to explain financial and administrative irregularities highlighted in the audit.

Committee members Rahmat Saleh Baloch, Zabid Ali Reki, Fazal Qadir Mandokhail, Ghulam Dastagir Badini, and Haji Mir Muhammad Khan Lehri attended the meeting, along with Director General Audit Balochistan Shuja Ali, Secretary Industries and Commerce Muhammad Khalid Sarpara, Special Secretary Assembly Siraj Lehri, and LIEDA Managing Director Liaqat Kashani.

The audit, conducted in 2021-22 on the orders of the then Chief Minister, examined compliance with financial rules, procurement procedures, internal controls, and transparency in the use of government funds. The government had allocated Rs. 200 million for the pavilion, while actual expenditures amounted to Rs. 157.2 million.

The report revealed that a contract worth Rs. 139.7 million was awarded without competitive bidding, in violation of Balochistan Public Procurement Rules 2014. Neither board approval was obtained nor written justification recorded for using a negotiated tendering process, despite the federal government having informed Balochistan of its participation months earlier.

Audit officials noted that the issue was flagged to the concerned department in April 2022, but no response was received and no Departmental Accounts Committee meeting was held. The audit recommended a full investigation to determine responsibility.

Chairman Asghar Tareen directed that the then Secretary, LIEDA MD, and other relevant officers be summoned to present their stance and clarify the irregularities. He stressed that last-minute programs often lead to financial and administrative lapses, making accountability essential.

Members agreed that former officials must appear before the committee to ensure a thorough review. The PAC noted that several officers named in the audit were absent from the meeting and decided they must attend the next session, regardless of current postings.

The committee gave the officials 15 days to present their records and explanations. It warned that if they fail to appear, the case will be referred to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) or Anti-Corruption Department for further action.

Quetta: Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Balochistan Assembly, chaired by Asghar Ali Tareen, reviewed the special audit report of the Balochistan Pavilion and Investment Conference held at Dubai Expo 2020. The committee decided to summon the officials responsible for organizing the event to explain financial and administrative irregularities highlighted in the audit.

Committee members Rahmat Saleh Baloch, Zabid Ali Reki, Fazal Qadir Mandokhail, Ghulam Dastagir Badini, and Haji Mir Muhammad Khan Lehri attended the meeting, along with Director General Audit Balochistan Shuja Ali, Secretary Industries and Commerce Muhammad Khalid Sarpara, Special Secretary Assembly Siraj Lehri, and LIEDA Managing Director Liaqat Kashani.

The audit, conducted in 2021-22 on the orders of the then Chief Minister, examined compliance with financial rules, procurement procedures, internal controls, and transparency in the use of government funds. The government had allocated Rs. 200 million for the pavilion, while actual expenditures amounted to Rs. 157.2 million.

The report revealed that a contract worth Rs. 139.7 million was awarded without competitive bidding, in violation of Balochistan Public Procurement Rules 2014. Neither board approval was obtained nor written justification recorded for using a negotiated tendering process, despite the federal government having informed Balochistan of its participation months earlier.

Audit officials noted that the issue was flagged to the concerned department in April 2022, but no response was received and no Departmental Accounts Committee meeting was held. The audit recommended a full investigation to determine responsibility.

Chairman Asghar Tareen directed that the then Secretary, LIEDA MD, and other relevant officers be summoned to present their stance and clarify the irregularities. He stressed that last-minute programs often lead to financial and administrative lapses, making accountability essential.

Members agreed that former officials must appear before the committee to ensure a thorough review. The PAC noted that several officers named in the audit were absent from the meeting and decided they must attend the next session, regardless of current postings.

The committee gave the officials 15 days to present their records and explanations. It warned that if they fail to appear, the case will be referred to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) or Anti-Corruption Department for further action.