KHARAN / QUETTA: A counterterrorism officer was gunned down by unidentified motorcyclists while he was on his way to his office in Kharan town on Friday.

Kharan`s District Officer Eid Mohammad was targeted atNaurozabad bypass near his home, sources in the Counterterrorism Department (CTD) said.

The gunmen opened fire using automatic weapons, critically injuring the officer. He received multiple bullet injuries and was shifted to Divisional Headquarters Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, the sources added.

CTD Kharan`s Station House Officer (SHO) Abdullah told Dawn the assailants fled the scene soon after the incident and the depart-ment was investigating the case.

`It seems to be a targeted killing, another police of ficial said. However, no individual or group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

The martyred officer was a senior police officer who also served as SHO in Kharan and Dalbandin for several years. His body was handed over to the heirs after a medico-legal examination.

Saleem Shahid in Quetta also contributed to this report