Two soldiers guarding Qatari hunters killed in attack in Balochistan

Two paramilitary soldiers were killed, and four others injured in an IED attack in Balochistan while guarding a group of Qatari hunters, officials reported on Wednesday.

The hunters, who remained unharmed, were on an expedition to pursue the houbara bustard, a rare bird prized for its meat by Arab sheikhs. Members of Qatar’s royal family frequently visit Pakistan for such hunting trips.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies the houbara bustard as a vulnerable species, with an estimated global population of 50,000 to 100,000. The bird has nearly disappeared from the Arabian Peninsula.

“The attack targeted the Frontier Corps [paramilitary force] providing security to Qatari nationals. Two soldiers were martyred,” said local assistant commissioner Abdul Hameed.

The incident occurred in the Zarren Bug locality of Turbat, in the southwestern Balochistan province. A second paramilitary official confirmed the casualties, stating, “The 10-member Qatari hunting delegation, led by Sheikh Talal, was visiting district Kech to hunt houbara bustards. They were not harmed and safely exited the area.”