QUETTA: Central leader of the Quetta Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Mir Shafiqur-ur-Rehman Mengal, has survived a brazen attack on his residence, alleging that hired killers working on the orders of foreign countries were behind the assault, and that he and his comrades are being targeted for their unwavering commitment to the ideology of Pakistan.
Mengal revealed that the attack began with a powerful explosion at his house, immediately followed by an attempt by several armed assailants to storm the premises. However, his guards, relatives, and colleagues swiftly retaliated, preventing the attackers from gaining entry.
“The exchange of fire lasted for about two and a half hours,” Mengal said, praising the bravery of his comrades. “Had they not shown such courage, the loss of life could have been far greater.”
He claimed that 17 of his colleagues were killed in the initial explosion, while several others sustained injuries. Mengal also stated that six attackers were neutralized during the intense gunfight, though he acknowledged that official confirmation and figures have not yet been released by authorities.
Mengal further revealed that the government had provided him with security personnel, and among the deceased were five policemen. These personnel, he noted, were originally part of the Levies Force before being merged with the police, and most were his relatives and local residents of the area.
When asked about the motive, Mengal asserted that he was the primary target of the attack, but the courageous and timely resistance from his comrades thwarted the attackers’ objectives.
Addressing the continuous targeting by banned organizations, the PPP leader remained defiant. “I and my comrades have always been the bearers of the ideology of Pakistan. These attacks cannot change our ideology and stance,” he said.
He vowed to remain steadfast in his struggle despite the ongoing sacrifices and casualties, declaring that he and his colleagues would not back down from their principles.
The attack has raised serious concerns about security in the region, with authorities yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident or the alleged foreign involvement.
