The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has killed Assistant Commissioner (AC) Ziarat, Muhammad Afzal Baqi, and his son, weeks after abducting them from the Zahzri area of Ziarat. Their bodies were reported in Harnai district, sparking anger and grief across Balochistan.
According to security sources, the BLA had demanded a heavy ransom for the release of the officer and his son. A video released last week showed Muhammad Afzal and his son pleading with the government to meet the kidnappers’ demands, but no agreement was reached.
Images of the slain officer circulated on social media were identified by Ziarat Tehsildar Noor Muhammad as those of Muhammad Afzal. Levies officials later confirmed his death, though formal recovery of the bodies is still awaited.
The AC and his son, Mustansar Bilal, were kidnapped in August while returning from a picnic. The abductors freed his family members and guards but forcibly took Afzal and his son, before setting their vehicle on fire.
Muhammad Afzal, a resident of Taunsa Sharif in Punjab, was a veteran government officer who began his career as a patwari in the revenue department. He was due to retire on September 3, 2025, but remained in captivity until his death.
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemned the killings, describing them as a “cowardly and brutal act.” He paid tribute to the slain officer as “dutiful, hardworking and capable,” and vowed that the perpetrators — “enemies of peace and murderers of innocents” — would be brought to justice.
Earlier, the provincial government had announced a Rs50 million reward for information on the abductors. Following confirmation of the killings, security forces have launched extensive operations in Harnai and adjoining areas to recover the bodies and apprehend those responsible.
