KALAT: A passenger coach traveling from Quetta to Karachi came under attack by armed robbers near the Kalat Toll Plaza on Monday, though all passengers on board remained physically unharmed during the ordeal.
According to security sources, the armed men intercepted the coach at gunpoint, forcing the driver to halt. The assailants then boarded the vehicle and robbed passengers of cash, mobile phones, jewelry, and other valuables before fleeing the scene.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over law and order along one of Balochistan’s busiest travel routes. The Quetta-Karachi highway has witnessed several similar robberies in recent months, with armed groups exploiting the remote stretches of the province.
Local police were alerted after the robbers escaped, and security forces launched a search operation in the surrounding area. However, no arrests have been reported so far.
Officials confirmed that none of the passengers sustained injuries during the hijacking, though many were left traumatized by the experience. Passengers reported that the robbers appeared to be heavily armed and acted with impunity, completing the heist within minutes.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the total value of the stolen goods. An investigation has been initiated, and police are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby checkpoints to identify the perpetrators.
“This is a matter of serious concern,” a local administration official said. “We are taking all necessary steps to apprehend those responsible and ensure the safety of travelers on this route.”
