Six dead in Pakistan over suspected ethnic attack

Police said the men, who had migrated to the region and worked as barbers, were likely targeted because they belonged to Punjabi, the most populous and influential ethnic group in Pakistan.

“We are currently investigating the matter, but apparently it looks like they were attacked because they were Punjabis,” said Muhammad Mohsin, a senior police official in Gwadar, adding that six people were killed and one injured.

A second police official, Zohaib Ahmad, confirmed the death toll and said they had been shot in their home.

Balochistan is Pakistan’s largest but poorest province, despite being rich in natural resources.

Militants have previously targeted ethnic Punjabis and Sindhis as well as foreign interests they believe are exploiting the impoverished region without sharing its wealth.

Punjabis in particular are seen as dominant in the ranks of the military, which is engaged in a battle to destroy Balochistan’s armed factions.

Last month, 11 Punjabi workers in the region were killed when six gunmen stopped a bus near the town of Naushki in Balochistan province.

Beijing is Islamabad’s closest regional ally, frequently offering financial support to support its often-troubled neighbor and investing more than $2 trillion in infrastructure projects.

However, the safety of Chinese workers is a major concern for both countries.

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