QUETTA: Renowned Baloch scholar, writer and poet, Professor Saba Dashtyari was shot dead at Sariab Road on Wednesday evening.

Professor Dashtyari was badly wounded when unidentified assailants opened fire on him. He was rushed to the hospital but could not survive due to severe injuries.

Prof. Dashtyari was a teacher of Islamic Studies at the Balochistan University and frequently shuttled between Karachi and Quetta.

His literary contributions include more than 24 books on Balochi literature, history, poetry and translations. He also established the Syed Zahoor Shah Hashmi reference library, Pakistan's largest library on Balochi literature, in Malir area of Karachi.

The library houses more than 150,000 books in various languages on Balochi literature, culture and civilisation. Furthermore, he also compiled an index and bibliography of Balochi literature published in the past 50 years.

Meanwhile, the University of Balochistan will remain closed on Thursday to mourn Professor Dashtyari's death.