Balochistan: School Principal’s Residence Attacked in Turbat

QUETTA: The residence of Sharif Zakir, a prominent figure and the principal of Saachan Grammar School, was targeted in a bomb attack followed by gunfire on the night of January 31, 2025, in Turbat’s Sangani Sar area in Balochistan.

According to family members, the attack occurred after the Isha prayer when unidentified assailants threw a hand grenade into the courtyard of Zakir’s residence. The grenade exploded with a loud blast, followed by gunfire from the attackers. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the attack.

The family confirmed that they had notified the local police about the incident and stated their intention to file an FIR against the assailants.

Local sources suggest that the attackers may be linked to government-backed armed groups, commonly referred to as death squads in Balochistan. However, no official confirmation has been made so far.

This is not the first attack on Sharif Zakir or his family. In 2020, Zakir’s residence was also targeted in a similar assault. Furthermore, in October of the same year, Zakir’s brother, Hanif Chamrohk, was killed in a shooting attack, which is believed to have been carried out by members of a government-supported death squad.

It is worth noting that government-backed groups, including some religious factions, have long been opposed to private schools in Balochistan’s Makran region.

In 2014, threatening letters were sent to schools, leading to the closure of private schools in Panjgur and Turbat for several days.