A police officer was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants near a private library in Mastung city on Monday, police officials confirmed.

The attack took place in a busy area of the city, where the armed men opened fire and fled the scene. The victim, identified as Ehsanullah, succumbed to his injuries on the spot.

The body was shifted to Shaheed Nawab Ghous Bakhsh Raisani Memorial Hospital for medico-legal formalities, according to police sources.

Police have launched a search operation in the area to trace the culprits. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. Further investigation is underway.