At least two police officials and three students were injured on Friday when a police officer’s rifle accidentally discharged outside the Balochistan Governor House in Zhob District, officials said.
The students were shot in the arms and legs while the police officers sustained minor injuries. They were all shifted to Zhob District Headquarters Hospital. Medical Superintendent Abdul Rehman said the students were in stable condition after undergoing surgery and the police officers were discharged shortly after recieving first aid.
The incident occured at around 12pm, when the students had come to meet the Balochistan Governor Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail to discuss educational issues. The officer holding the rifle was on security duty.
According to police, the firing was a consequence of technical malfunction or possible mishandling of the weapon. The rifle went off reportedly while the students were attempting to enter the Governor House after security checks.
Mandokhail visited the injured students at the hospital and announced that the government would bear all medical expenses. He described the incident as “deeply unfortunate” and pledged to provide the injured students with complete educational and financial support.
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He further issued directives for improved security personnel training and regular inspection of weapons.
Meanwhile, students of Government Boys Degree College and community leaders staged a protest outside the Governor House. This was called off after the Mandokhail issued a formal apology and announced compensation for the injured.
This is the second such incident involving security personnel in Zhob this year, which raises concerns over existing security protocols. The provincial government has announced a review of security protocols at the Governor House. Further action will be taken against the responsible officer following the completion of the investigation.
