Pakistan: BLA Suicide Attack on Mir Shafiq Mengal’s Residence Kills 17 in Balochistan

QUETTA (Terror Monitor) — At least 17 people were killed and several others wounded after a suicide attack targeted the residence of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader and Jhalawan Awami Panel chief Mir Shafiq ur Rehman Mengal in Khuzdar, Balochistan. The banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack through its Majeed Brigade.

Mengal survived the assault. According to his account, the attackers detonated an explosives-laden vehicle at the main entrance in an apparent attempt to breach the compound, but his security personnel repelled the assault before the attackers could enter.

Mengal said the attack occurred at around 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday and claimed that 17 of his associates, including five police personnel assigned to his security, were killed. He also alleged that several attackers were killed or wounded during the exchange of fire, although Pakistani authorities have not independently confirmed those claims.

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti condemned the attack, saying those responsible would not succeed in their attempts to undermine peace in the province.

In a statement, the banned BLA said its elite Majeed Brigade carried out the operation. The group has previously claimed responsibility for several attacks targeting Mengal, his relatives, and supporters.

Mir Shafiq ur Rehman Mengal, the son of former federal minister Naseer Mengal, is a native of Wadh in Khuzdar district. He was previously associated with the Jhalawan Awami Panel before joining the Pakistan Peoples Party. His younger brother, Mir Ata ur Rehman Mengal, was killed in an attack last year that was also claimed by the BLA.

Mengal has long been regarded as a vocal opponent of Baloch separatist militant groups. Over the years, he and members of his family have been targeted in multiple attacks.

Past media reports and some official documents have alleged links between Mengal and the banned Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), including alleged associations with individuals wanted in terrorism-related cases.

The Majeed Brigade first emerged publicly after claiming responsibility for a 2011 suicide attack on Mengal's residence in Quetta. Since then, it has carried out several high-profile attacks, including assaults targeting Chinese nationals in Dalbandin and Karachi, the Chinese Consulate in Karachi, the Pearl Continental Hotel in Gwadar, the Pakistan Stock Exchange, Karachi University, and the Jaffar Express train hijacking.

Pakistani authorities have launched an investigation into the latest attack, while security forces continue search operations in the surrounding area.