Balochistan Governor fears civil war in province in wake of surge in targeted killings

Quetta, Apr 14(ANI): Balochistan Governor Zulfiqar Ali Magsi has expressed fears that a civil war may break out in the restive province in the wake of an increase in targeted killings.

"I don't know what the government is doing? The situation is slipping out of control. Target killings are happening on a daily basis despite the presence of paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC), Balochistan Constabulary and police," The Express Tribune quoted Magsi, as saying at a meeting with a Hazara Democratic Party (HDP) delegation.

"We will be compelled to call out Pakistan Army and FC in Quetta, if the government does not check incidents of target killings," he added.

His statement came after a watchman Muhammad Ali Hazara was shot dead by gunmen outside a shop on Abdul Sattar Road.

The HDP delegation lodged a complaint with Magsi over targeted killings of Hazaras in Balochistan and the latter vowed to discuss the issue with Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raisani.

He also directed the authorities to launch a crackdown against groups stoking sectarian violence in the province.

"We have a huge cabinet and almost all provincial legislators are ministers - but they are least interested in maintaining law and order," he added.

Hundreds of HDP activists had earlier staged a rally, chanting slogans against the government for their "failure to check target killings of the Hazaras". (ANI)