Baloch Fuel Carrier Killed Following Gunfire by Law Enforcement Forces in Kahnuj

According to the Balochistan Human Rights Group (BHRG), on Tuesday, 5 Aban 1405 (27 October 2026), Erfan Zabardast, a 25-year-old Baloch fuel carrier, lost his life after law enforcement forces opened direct fire on his vehicle on a road in Kahnuj County, causing it to overturn. At the time of the incident, he was transporting petrol. According to information received, officers fired at his vehicle without prior warning.

The identity of the Baloch citizen has been confirmed as Erfan Zabardast, 25, son of Eshaq. He was married and originally from and residing in Kahnuj.

According to information received, the incident occurred at around 5 p.m. on Tuesday on the outer road of Kahnuj. Gunfire by officers struck a tyre, causing it to burst and the vehicle to leave the road and overturn violently. Erfan died as a result of the incident. As his body is being kept in cold storage, his exact cause of death and the circumstances surrounding it remain in need of further investigation.

A relative of Erfan described the difficult circumstances of his life, stating that he had lost his father during childhood and had been responsible for supporting his elderly mother and family. According to this relative, Erfan was preparing to establish a family of his own despite financial hardship. By transporting small quantities of petrol, he was trying to cover his family’s daily living expenses.

It should be noted that during 2025, at least 173 Baloch fuel carriers were killed and 132 injured. Of these, 131 died and 80 were injured in road accidents. A further 37 were killed and 44 injured in incidents involving military personnel, including shootings, landmine explosions, pursuits and physical assaults. Two people drowned in incidents related to fuel-carrying activities.

In addition, fires resulted in one death and seven injuries, while shootings by unidentified armed individuals killed two people and injured one. During the same year, at least 211 fuel carriers were arrested.