13 people were killed in two separate incidents in Pakistan

Unidentified gunmen stormed a residential area in southwestern Pakistan late Saturday, killing seven workers. The attack, the latest in a series of ethnic attacks, occurred overnight in the country's restive Balochistan province.

According to the Panjgur city police, all the victims were from the Multan region of Punjab and were temporarily staying in Khudabadan for work.

Zaheer Ahmed, the head of Panjgur police station, told The Media Line that the workers were at their residence in Khudabadan, an area five miles north of the city police station, “when the gruesome incident occurred.” He added that “The victims were shot in the head and body.” It is assumed that they are all relatives.”

According to Ahmed, all the bodies were taken to the district headquarters hospital, along with one survivor who is in a critical condition.

Following the attack, police officers arrived at the scene and began an investigation. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. Sources say the separatist group, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), has previously targeted workers from Punjab.

Last month, the BLA claimed responsibility for the killing of at least 23 Punjab residents in Musakhel district of Balochistan. The victims were forced from their vehicles and shot after their identities were verified.

In unrelated news, six people were killed and eight others seriously injured when a chartered helicopter of Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MPCL) crashed near Shewa oil field in North Waziristan district on Saturday, reportedly due to a technical glitch.

The MI-8 helicopter was carrying 14 passengers, including three Russian pilots and crew members. Initial investigations and a statement from Mari Petroleum spokesman suggest the crash was caused by engine failure, with no evidence of terrorism found at this time.

An official from Shewa police station confirmed the deaths and reported four injured in the incident. “Although the helicopter was initially able to land, it later lost control,” the Mari Petroleum spokesperson said.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan (CAA) issued a statement confirming the company's initial findings that “the helicopter attempted an emergency landing following an engine failure.” In the attempt, the tail rotor struck the ground, causing the helicopter to overturn. There were six crew members, a safety officer and 14 passengers on board.”

The CAA added that the company used the Russian-made helicopter to reach remote areas for oil and gas exploration.