Pakistan: Gunmen Kill At Least 21 Miners in Balochistan

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Oct 11, 2024

Above: Labourers gather to protest against the killings of coal miners in an overnight attack in Duki district of Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province on October 11, 2024. Image copyright: Farid Khan/Contributor/AFP via Getty Imagesstory last updated Oct 11

The Facts

At least 40 gunmen killed 21 miners and injured six others in Pakistan's southwest province of Balochistan on Thursday night.
According to police, the assailants stormed the miners' quarters in the Dukki district, gathered the workers, and opened fire using heavy weapons, including rockets and grenades.

The Spin

Narrative A

The attack is part of a larger pattern of violence in Balochistan, where separatist groups target civilians and security forces to destabilize the region and push for independence. However, the government is committed to bringing those responsible for these deaths to justice and to rooting out all forms of terrorism. Despite the challenges, Pakistan will continue to pursue economic development, international partnerships, and foreign investment in the region.

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Narrative B

Pakistan is unfairly exploiting Balochistan's rich oil and mineral resources. While there are no excuses for such attacks, continuous mining in the sensitive region poses significant challenges and dangers to the environment and the local population. Authorities must engage in dialogue instead of suppression to curb the violence and unrest. The government can't ignore the resentment sparked by Chinese-funded infrastructure projects.