A mortar attack during Friday prayers in Awaran injured four children, highlighting a rising pattern of militant violence against civilians in Balochistan.
A mortar attack during Friday prayers caused panic in Awaran on Friday after militants fired explosive shells toward a security camp, with several landing in a civilian neighborhood. Four children sustained injuries in the attack, which authorities have attributed to the banned Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF).
The injured children include:
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Mahajbeen, daughter of Allah Bakhsh, 12
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Noreen, son of Nau Bakhsh, 5
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Ziaan, son of Sarwar, 2
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Jannat Bibi, daughter of Sarwar, 4
Locals said the attack occurred during Friday congregational prayers, shaking the community and causing fear among worshippers. According to sources, BLF militants led by Allah Nazar Baloch fired mortars that landed dangerously close to a mosque and inside residential compounds.
Security personnel immediately cordoned off the area and launched an intensive search operation to track down the attackers. Officials condemned the assault, calling it a “cowardly act against unarmed civilians and children.”
Another Attack on Children in Panjgur
The Awaran incident follows a December 2 rocket attack in Panjgur’s Chutkan area, where militants targeted the home of Haji Zafar Sasoli. Two children were injured and rushed to Panjgur DHQ Hospital for treatment.
Authorities linked the assault to militants affiliated with the banned BLA and BLF, both of which have been responsible for targeted killings, kidnappings and strikes on civilian areas.
Security sources said intelligence-based counter-terrorism operations are ongoing in Zehri and Chaghi to neutralize networks conducting attacks against unarmed Baloch civilians.
Past Targeting of Schoolchildren in Khuzdar
In May 2025, militants targeted a school bus in Khuzdar, resulting in the deaths of 10 schoolchildren — one of the deadliest attacks on minors in recent years. The attack was widely condemned but reflected an alarming trend of militant groups targeting children for political messaging and intimidation.
Public Outrage Over Silence of Activists
Following Friday’s Awaran attack, social media users from Balochistan expressed outrage at the silence of prominent rights activists such as Hamid Mir, Asad Toor, and Iman Mazari.
A Baloch social media activist, Mahnoor Haider, wrote:
“Mortar shells hit the Awaran camp, injuring innocent children — proving that those who target kids have no link to Balochistan or its people. Will Hamid Mir, Asad Toor, Iman Mazari and others speak up, or keep feeding terrorism with their silence?”
Users argued that the consistent targeting of children by banned outfits must receive equal attention from rights groups and the national media.
Growing Concerns Over Civilian Safety
With consecutive attacks in Awaran, Panjgur and Khuzdar, security concerns continue to intensify for families living in conflict-affected districts. Officials reiterated that counter-terrorism operations would continue until the militants involved in attacks on civilians are captured or eliminated.
