Questions Raised Over Police Shooting in Quetta as 20-Year-Old Dies, Government Remains Silent

QUETTA: The killing of a 20-year-old youth in alleged police firing in the Jinnah Town area of Quetta has sparked widespread concern, anger, and serious questions among citizens and civil society, with calls for an impartial investigation growing louder.
According to details, the deceased has been identified as Safir Bajwa, who was reportedly driving a Kabuli vehicle from the Sariab area. Police stated in their initial version that the vehicle was signaled to stop, but the driver allegedly did not comply, after which firing was opened in the Jinnah Town area to intercept the vehicle. Authorities claimed the shooting was aimed at stopping a suspicious vehicle, but the incident resulted in the death of the young man.
The family of the deceased strongly rejected the police version, terming the firing unjustified and unnecessary. They argued that even if the vehicle was suspicious, police had legal alternatives such as pursuit or setting up checkpoints instead of opening direct fire.
Hospital sources confirmed that the injured youth was shifted to Civil Hospital Quetta immediately after the incident, where he succumbed to his injuries. The body was later handed over to the family after legal formalities. However, the relatives reportedly refused post-mortem, raising further questions about the circumstances of the case.
Sources also claimed that several hours after the incident, the SHO of Jinnah Town Police Station neither visited the crime scene nor contacted the family at the hospital, drawing strong criticism from citizens. No clear official statement was issued by the Home Department or concerned authorities, further intensifying public concern.
Tension was reported in Jinnah Town and surrounding areas following the incident, while strong criticism of police action also surfaced on social media. Citizens stressed that law enforcement agencies must exercise extreme caution in the use of force to prevent loss of innocent lives.
The affected family demanded an independent and transparent investigation, identification of the officials involved in the firing, and strict legal action against those responsible. Civil society members and activists also urged the Balochistan government and police authorities to take immediate notice of the incident.
The incident has once again raised serious questions regarding police powers, use of force, and civilian safety, with the public now awaiting clear answers from authorities.