Three Former Business Partners Arrested in Quetta Trader Hashim Noorzai Murder; Financial Dispute Emerges as Motive

Quetta: Police have arrested three suspects in connection with the murder of prominent Quetta businessman and restaurant owner Muhammad Hashim Noorzai, with investigators saying the accused were the victim’s former business partners and that a long-standing financial dispute appears to have been the motive behind the killing.

According to police sources, Hashim Noorzai was shot dead on the morning of June 27 near the Baleli area while travelling from Kuchlak to Quetta in his white Toyota Vigo pickup.

Following the high-profile killing, the Balochistan government handed the investigation to the Serious Crime Investigation Wing (SCIW), which arrested the three suspects after a week-long investigation. All three suspects are residents of Satellite Town, Quetta.

Police also recovered the vehicle allegedly used in the attack and said initial findings suggest the murder was linked to a financial dispute between the victim and the suspects.

According to a senior Quetta police official, who spoke to local media on condition of anonymity, the suspects were close acquaintances and former business associates of the victim. Investigators alleged that after the murder, the suspects attempted to avoid suspicion by participating in public protests demanding the killers’ arrest and by attending the victim’s condolence gathering.

The investigation relied on CCTV footage, geofencing records, and other digital evidence, which helped investigators identify and detain multiple suspects. Police said the accused initially denied involvement but later allegedly confessed after being confronted with the digital evidence.

Investigators said the suspects were arrested from Satellite Town, where surveillance footage showed the black Toyota Vigo allegedly used in the attack returning shortly after the shooting. Police said the suspects had changed the vehicle’s registration plates to conceal its identity before later moving it outside the city. Efforts are continuing to recover the vehicle, while the alleged murder weapon has also been recovered based on information provided by the suspects.

CCTV footage released after the incident showed the attackers following Noorzai’s vehicle before overtaking it and opening fire. After the victim’s vehicle came to a stop, the gunmen allegedly drove closer and fired additional rounds before fleeing toward Quetta. Police said the entire attack lasted approximately 25 seconds.

Investigators further believe the suspects had conducted surveillance on Noorzai before carrying out the attack. Police said the accused had previously been business partners of the victim, but disagreements over financial transactions persisted despite an earlier attempt to settle the dispute.

Muhammad Hashim Noorzai was a well-known businessman in Quetta. He launched Kabul Jan Restaurant on Airport Road in October last year, and it quickly became one of the city’s most popular dining destinations.