Seven people, including three Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF) personnel, were injured when unidentified gunmen attacked the convoy of Balochistan Home and Tribal Affairs Minister Mir Ziaullah Langau in Mastung on Friday, while the minister escaped unhurt, police told The Express Tribune.

The attack took place at Kund Umarani in the Khad Koocha area, south of Mastung, as Langau was travelling to Quetta after attending an Independence Day ceremony at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Kalat.

The injured personnel were taken to Shaheed Nawab Ghous Bakhsh Raisani Memorial Hospital for treatment, according to police. Langau later visited the hospital and inquired about the condition of the injured personnel.

Police said officers engaged the attackers for around 20 minutes during the attack, forcing the assailants to flee the scene.

Also Read: 18 terrorists neutralised in Balochistan: ISPR

Calling the attack “cowardly”, Langau said such acts would not weaken the resolve of the government or security forces in the fight against terrorism. “I cannot be intimidated by such firecrackers,” he said.

The home minister further stated that attacks of this nature would neither diminish his love for Pakistan nor weaken his determination to serve the country.

Home Department aide Babar Yousafzai condemned the attack, alleging that the convoy had been targeted by “Fitna al-Hindustan”. He praised the police personnel for repelling the attack and said the security forces had responded to the attackers with courage.

Police have launched a detailed investigation into the incident.