National outrage as top leadership, civil society condemn killing of judge in Mastung terror attack

ISLAMABAD, Jul 24 (APP): Denouncing the target-killing of District and Sessions Judge Abdul Hakeem Kakar and his gunman in Mastung as a direct attack on the state, Pakistan’s political and judicial leadership alongside civil society stood united as top figures—from the President and Prime Minister to the Chief Justice—vowed a relentless response to eliminate terrorism and hold every perpetrator accountable.

The tragic attack occurred on the National Highway as judicial officers were en route from Quetta to the Sessions Court in Mastung. The firing claimed the lives of Sessions Judge Abdul Hakeem Kakar and his security guard on the spot, while Additional Sessions Judge Tariq Lashari and accompanying personnel sustained injuries.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of Judge Kakar and his security guard, offering prayers for the elevated ranks of the martyrs and swift recovery for the injured.

“The sacrifices of our martyrs will not go in vain. Hostile elements operating with external backing will never succeed in their malicious designs. Pakistan will continue its struggle until terrorism is completely eradicated,” President Zardari said in a statement.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, emphasizing that terrorists and their facilitators cannot weaken the nation’s peace or state institutions. He reiterated the federal government’s firm commitment to hunting down every terrorist network.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the attack, reassuring the public that cowardly acts would never undermine the state’s resolve and reiterated that all-out resources would be deployed to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Federal Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi paid tribute to the security forces for their ongoing intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in the Khad Kocha area of Mastung, confirming that security forces have already neutralized six terrorists in the area as operations intensify.

Expressing profound grief on behalf of the country’s legal fraternity, Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi stated that the judiciary stands in solidarity with the district judiciary of Balochistan and the bereaved families.

As a mark of respect for the martyrs, the chief justice announced the postponement of the Judicial Wellbeing Conference previously scheduled for July 25, 2026. CJP Afridi emphasized that Pakistan’s judiciary will continue to dispense justice without fear or intimidation, stressing that no act of violence can shake the institution’s commitment to the rule of law.

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti termed the ambush a direct assault on the state itself. He contacted injured Additional Sessions Judge Tariq Lashari to inquire after his health, assuring full state support for his recovery.

“There is no concession or leniency for terrorists and their facilitators. Those who challenge the writ of the state will be crushed. The blood of the protectors of the law will not go in vain,” Sarfraz Bugti said in a statement.

Governor Balochistan Jafar Khan Mandokhel, along with Provincial Ministers Mir Ziaullah Langove and Haji Ali Madad Jatak directed law enforcement agencies to execute swift operations to apprehend the culprits.

Aide to the Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Media and Political Affairs, Shahid Rind said that targeting judicial officers who deliver verdicts against anti-state elements is a failed tactic to incite fear, reaffirming that the province will push forward with decisive counterterrorism measures.

Special Assistant Babar Khan Yousafzai and Provincial Minister Zahoor Buledi said that the institutional framework of Balochistan remains fully intact and determined to protect its civil and judicial officers.

Senator and Former Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar pointed out a distinct pattern of infrastructure destruction and vehicle interdictions in Mastung, including the targeting of a civilian passenger bus a day prior.

He cautioned against quick, deceptive claims of responsibility designed to deflect public anger, urging international counter-terrorism mechanisms to monitor shared communication and operational facilitation among active terrorist outfits.

In a statement, Balochistan Bar Council strongly condemned the terrorist attack, describing it as an assault not only on the judiciary, but on the rule of law and the entire judicial system.

To pay tribute to the martyrs, register protest against the tragic incident, and express solidarity, the Council announced a two-day province-wide court boycott and a three-day official mourning.

The Council demanded that the Government of Balochistan and law enforcement agencies take immediate and effective measures to ensure the security of judges, lawyers, judicial staff, and the general public, calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for this ruthless act.