In the southwestern province of Pakistan, specifically in Balochistan, a tragic incident unfolded on Sunday evening. Three migrant barbers from Sindh were shot dead by unidentified gunmen, according to local police. This attack highlights the rising violence by separatist militants in the region, who have increasingly targeted laborers from other parts of the country. The militants often accuse these workers of profiting from Balochistan’s resources.

Migrant hairdressers, in particular, have been targeted due to allegations of serving as informants to the military. The province, which borders Afghanistan and Iran, has seen a surge in such attacks. The latest incident occurred when gunmen arrived on a motorbike and opened fire inside a barber shop in the Panjgur district. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, although the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) is known to be active in the area.

The BLA accuses outsiders of exploiting Balochistan’s rich resources, leading to heightened tensions. In recent months, similar attacks have resulted in significant casualties. For instance, in February, militants executed seven Punjabi laborers after identifying them on a bus. Last year, eleven Punjabi laborers were killed in Naushki, and six Punjabi barbers were shot in May.

In a separate incident on Sunday, two Pakistan army soldiers were killed and one injured during an exchange of fire in the Bolan district. The soldiers had launched an operation based on intelligence about militants hiding in the mountains, leading to a prolonged firefight. Additionally, two counter-terrorism police officials were shot dead by militants in the Kohat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Monday morning.

The resurgence of violence near the Afghan border has been a concern over the past few years. While attacks in urban areas have become less common, the situation remains volatile, especially in regions like Balochistan.