QUETTA: The Balochistan government has suspended two officials of the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD) and ordered a comprehensive inquiry following the tragic murder-suicide incident in Quetta’s Wahdat Colony that claimed the lives of a woman and her four children.
According to the police, a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered at Shaheed Amir Muhammad Dasti police station on the complaint of Zarif Khan Gorgij, the brother of the deceased Muhammad Asif, who allegedly shot dead his wife and four children before taking his own life.
The case has been registered under sections relating to murder, abetment of murder, and suicide. The FIR names S&GAD Under Secretary Aftab Ahmad Jubal, his wife, Masood Ahmed Mengal (driver), and Small Industries Director Iqbal among the accused.
The complainant alleged that his brother Muhammad Asif had been subjected to continuous harassment, blackmail, and psychological pressure by the nominated individuals. He claimed that Aftab Jubal repeatedly threatened his brother and kept him under severe mental stress, ultimately driving him to take the extreme step.
Following the incident, the Balochistan government suspended Under Secretary Jubal (BPS-18) and S&GAD driver Masood Ahmed (BPS-05). Official notifications stated that the suspensions were made under the Balochistan Employees Efficiency and Discipline Act, 2011, in view of allegations of criminal misconduct and unlawful activities. Authorities confirmed that Masood Ahmed had also been arrested by the police.
Balochistan government spokesperson and chief minister’s aide Shahid Rind said CM Sarfraz Bugti immediately took notice of the incident and directed strict action against the officials named in the case. He said a transparent, impartial, and merit-based investigation was under way and that further legal and departmental action would be taken against anyone found responsible.
“The government will not tolerate negligence, misconduct, or irresponsible behaviour by public servants,” Rind said, adding that protecting citizens’ lives, property, and rights remains the administration’s foremost priority.
Meanwhile, Assistant to the Chief Minister on Home Affairs Babar Khan Yousafzai expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and urged citizens facing harassment, blackmail, or social pressure to seek help from authorities rather than resorting to extreme actions.
In a video message, Yousafzai revealed that Muhammad Asif had recorded a video before his death in which he alleged harassment by certain neighbours. He confirmed that the nominated suspects had been arrested and that investigation was continuing.
He also highlighted the availability of government complaint mechanisms, including the Chief Minister’s Complaint Cell and the Home Department’s complaint system, encouraging citizens to report cases of harassment or abuse.
Yousafzai emphasised that the provincial government was committed to protecting women and ensuring strict legal action against anyone involved in harassment or intimidation. He reiterated CM Bugti’s stance that the safety and dignity of women in the province remain a “red line” for the government.
Meanwhile, funeral prayers for the deceased woman and her four children were offered in Quetta, which were attended by relatives, friends, and a large number of local residents. The victims were later laid to rest amid scenes of grief and mourning.
The provincial government has directed relevant authorities to submit a detailed report on the incident at the earliest, while the investigators continue to determine the circumstances surrounding one of the most shocking family tragedies witnessed in Quetta in recent years.
