News Desk:
QUETTA: At least 14 people were killed and 31 others injured in an explosion at Shahwani Stadium during a Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) gathering held to mark the death anniversary of veteran leader Sardar Atta Ullah Mengal.
Balochistan Health Minister confirmed the revised toll, saying doctors and medical staff were on emergency duty. “All injured are being provided immediate and best possible treatment,” he said, adding that the condition of some patients remained critical.
Rescue teams shifted the injured to Quetta Civil Hospital, where officials released a list of 29 wounded. The deceased were identified as Ishaq, Najeebullah, Shan, Hanif, and Madad Khan.
Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti condemned the blast, calling it a “cowardly act aimed at spreading fear.” He expressed condolences with the victims’ families and directed health authorities to ensure the best medical care for the injured.
The provincial government has ordered a high-level investigation, with a committee tasked to determine the causes and identify those responsible. Security forces have cordoned off the area and begun collecting evidence.
Sajid Tareen Advocate, the central leader of BMP said the party had already expressed concerns about such an incident and had alerted the district administration for security beforehand. He confirmed that former MPA Ahmed Nawaz and party leader Musa Baloch were among the injured.
According to the Balochistan Home Department, rescue teams quickly reached the site, shifting the injured to hospital, while security forces cordoned off the area. Investigators also arrived at the scene and launched a probe into the blast. The government has ordered a high-level inquiry and urged the public to avoid rumours and cooperate with authorities.
