According to police, Shahwani was riding his motorcycle when unidentified assailants opened fire on him on Masjid Road of Khuzdar district. Shahwani died on the spot, while a 12-year-old passer-by also sustained bullet injuries. The attackers managed to escape.

The body of the BNP leader and the injured were taken to the hospital in Khuzdar, where the boy, Abdul Samad, also succumbed to his injuries.

"It could be a case of targeted killing. The police have launched a manhunt in the area," a police officer said.

The BNP condemned the killing and called for a general strike in Khuzdar and announced three days of mourning for the departed leader.