At least 21 people were killed and 46 others injured in a powerful bomb explosion at a railway station in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, on Saturday. The blast, which occurred during peak hours as passengers waited for the Jaffar Express to Peshawar, has sent shockwaves through the region.
According to Quetta Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations, Muhammad Baloch, initial investigations suggest that the explosion may have been a suicide bombing. The attack, which targeted the station’s booking office, also caused significant damage to the platform’s roof. The force of the blast was felt in several areas of the city.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the deadly attack, further escalating tensions in the restive province. Rescue and law enforcement teams responded swiftly, securing the area and transporting the wounded and deceased to Civil Hospital Quetta. An emergency was declared at the hospital, with additional medical staff brought in to manage the influx of casualties. As of now, 46 injured individuals have been reported, though the number of victims is expected to rise.
In a statement, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemned the attack, calling it “a horrific act targeting innocent civilians.” He vowed that the perpetrators would be relentlessly pursued. Bugti highlighted the increasing trend of terrorists targeting civilians, including women, children, and laborers, and pledged to take decisive action against those responsible.
The attack has further exacerbated security concerns in the region, with Balochistan being a hotspot for militant activity and separatist movements. Authorities have initiated a full-scale investigation into the bombing, and security measures have been heightened in the area.
This tragic incident marks yet another act of violence in the volatile region, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by the Pakistani government in maintaining peace and security in Balochistan.
Sources By Agencies
