Mach attack victims: Transfer of bodies sought

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): Afghanistan has urged Pakistan to return the bodies of three Afghan citizens killed in an attack on coalminers in southwestern Balochistan province.

At least 11 people, most of them Hazara community members, were killed in the attack in the mountainous district of Bolan four days ago.

The request for bodies’ transfer to the neighbouring country was made by the Afghan consulate in Quetta in a letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The consulate said: “As you know, in the terrorist incident that took place in Mach area … seven Afghan citizens are among the victims.”

Heirs of three martyrs have requested that their dead bodies be transferred to Afghanistan, reads the letter. “Therefore, you are requested to contact the relevant authorities to grant permission for transferring the three corpses via the Chaman-Spin Boldak corridor.”

The militant Islamic State group, also known as Daesh, has claimed responsibility for the killings, which have triggered angry protests in Balochistan and other parts of Pakistan.

The Hazara community has closed a highway in Quetta. Having placed the victims’ bodies on the road, the protestors have been demanding the provincial government’s sacking and a judicial probe into the incident.

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