Syed Ali Shah, Manan Mandokhail:
Quetta, Pakistan – A tragic suicide bombing hit Quetta Railway Station on Saturday, causing extensive casualties. Local authorities and hospital sources confirmed that at least 26 people were killed, with 62 others injured.
Recent Surge in Violence
This attack follows another bombing last week in Balochistan’s Mastung district, which struck near a girls’ school and hospital, killing eight people, including five children. The recent violence underscores a troubling increase in terrorism in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.
Officials Confirm Details
Provincial health department spokesperson Wasim Baig confirmed the death toll, noting that two victims succumbed to injuries after the blast. Quetta Division Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat stated that the attack, identified as a suicide bombing, primarily targeted law enforcement officers, though civilians were also affected. In response, gatherings around the area have been prohibited, bus stations are on high alert, and train services have been suspended at the station.
CM Bugti Condemns The Attack
Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, stated that those responsible for the recent terrorist attack would be brought to justice, emphasizing that no one would be spared. Questioning the silence of what he referred to as “so-called human rights organizations,” he asked why they remained quiet on such barbaric acts.
“This is not a war to be fought by the armed forces alone,” Bugti asserted, urging every individual in society to play their part in the fight against terrorism.
Security on High Alert
Inspector General of Police Balochistan, Moazzam Jah Ansari, reported that the attack appeared aimed at military personnel, specifically targeting army personnel from the Infantry School. The banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has since claimed responsibility for the bombing.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Quetta and participated in the funeral prayers for the victims of the recent suicide bombing at Quetta Railway Station. During his visit, he also chaired a high-level meeting to assess the security situation in Balochistan.
Over A Dozen Injured In Serious Condition
Meanwhile, dozens of individuals injured in the tragic blast are fighting for their lives in hospital beds. Over a dozen of the wounded are reported to be in critical condition. In response to this devastating attack, the provincial government has announced plans to strengthen security measures, increasing deployments at all entry and exit points of Quetta.
Heartbreaking scenes unfolded at the hospital as families arrived to identify and receive the bodies of their loved ones.
