Panjgur Deputy Commissioner Zakir Hussain Baloch was killed and four others were injured in a firing incident on the Quetta-Karachi National Highway near Mastung on Monday, officials said.

The DC was travelling to Quetta along with Panjgur Municipal Committee Chairman Abdul Malik Baloch when unidentified assailants opened fire on their vehicle near Kharkocha in Mastung. Baloch died during treatment at Shaheed Nawab Gaus Bakhsh Memorial Hospital in Mastung, the hospital's chief executive Dr Saeed Ahmed said, according to Dawn.

Two officers were seriously injured in the attack

Dr. Ahmed said Hussain Baloch was shot in the chest and abdomen, causing internal bleeding and leading to his death. According to Dawn, the Panjgur Municipal Committee chairman also received multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to Quetta for treatment. He is the younger brother of National Party Balochistan chapter president Rehmat Baloch. Besides, two officials were seriously injured in the attack and were admitted to Shaheed Nawab Gaus Bakhsh Memorial Hospital.

15 armed men blocked the road

According to Dawn, security officials said that at least 15 armed men had blocked the road and were checking vehicles passing through the area when they tried to stop the DC's vehicle and opened fire when he sped away.

Baloch conflict will continue 

Meanwhile, protest meetings are being organised by the Baloch Yakhzeti Committee in various parts of Balochistan against alleged enforced disappearances. Speaking at one such gathering, prominent activist Mehrang Baloch said the Baloch struggle against oppression will continue.