In an act of resistance and determination, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) carried out a remote-controlled bomb attack near Soranj, Pakistan-occupied-Balochistan, on 8 October 2023. This operation targeted the Project Manager of PMDC (Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation), Shabir Marza, who was critically injured and, later, succumbed to his injuries.
Quetta Senior Superintendent of Police Jawad Tariq confirmed the incident and identified Shabir Marza as the deceased. Marza was on his way to the Sor Range with his driver, Muhammad Zakir, when the bomb detonated. While, Marza lost his life, Zakir sustained critical injuries and was transported to the Quetta Civil Hospital Trauma Centre for medical treatment.
This bomb attack is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle in Pakistan-occupied-Balochistan. The BLA has claimed responsibility for this operation. Their actions are driven by their unwavering commitment to safeguarding Balochistan’s resources and resisting projects that exploit the region’s wealth. Over the years, there has been tragic plundering of Baloch resources, often with the assistance of Pakistan Army.
For far too long, Pakistan-occupied-Balochistan has witnessed enforced disappearances, targeting political activists, students, and civilians by the Pak Army. They are subjected to torture, and their lifeless bodies are discarded in isolated areas. Following the illegal occupation of Balochistan in March 1948, Balochistan has been fighting the war of its existence and freedom from Pakistan. Be it the peaceful way of protests or the armed resistance, against the inhumane authoritarian quasi state of Pakistan, Balochs are fighting an all-front war.