Independent Report
Quetta, December 16, 2025 —
More than 20 passengers were abducted after armed assailants attacked a bus traveling from Sadiqabad to Quetta in Sindh’s Kashmore district, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The incident occurred near Murid Branch, where the attackers opened fire, forced the bus to stop, and looted passengers before kidnapping several of them.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic as gunmen dragged passengers out of the vehicle and fled with them toward nearby areas. Security forces, including police and Rangers, launched a joint operation immediately after receiving information about the attack.
DIG Faisal Abdullah Chachar stated that ten abducted passengers have so far been safely recovered, while search operations continue for the remaining victims. He added that extensive overnight cordon-and-search operations were conducted, with all routes leading to riverine areas sealed to prevent the captors from escaping.
Authorities said the final number and identities of the abducted passengers are still being verified. Security in the region has been further tightened, and officials assured that all available resources are being utilized to ensure the safe recovery of the remaining victims.
