Syed Ali Shah, News Desk:
Quetta – September 30: At least ten people lost their lives and around three dozen others were injured when a powerful blast struck the Pishin Stop area of Quetta, near the Frontier Corps (FC) headquarters, on Tuesday.
Health Minister Confirms 10 Dead, Dozens Injured
Balochistan Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar confirmed that at least 10 people were killed and three dozens others injured in the powerful explosion that shook Quetta on Monday.
Speaking to the media, the minister said an emergency has been declared in hospitals across the city to ensure timely medical treatment for the injured. The victims are being treated at Civil Hospital Quetta, where several remain in critical condition.
Eyewitnesses Describe Panic After Powerful Explosion
Eyewitnesses reported that the blast was so intense it was heard far and wide, triggering chaos and fear among residents as fire and smoke rose from the site.
Rescue officials said the explosion targeted a local passenger bus, leaving several onboard and nearby pedestrians seriously wounded. The injured have been shifted to Civil Hospital Quetta, where doctors confirmed that some remain in critical condition.
Passenger Bus Among Targets of Deadly Attack
Security sources reported that the assailants launched an attack on the Frontier Corps headquarters. One of the attackers detonated himself, causing a powerful explosion, while six others were neutralized by security forces. The timely response of the forces successfully foiled the attempted assault.
Security forces quickly cordoned off the area and launched an investigation. Initial reports suggest the blast was of high intensity, but the exact nature of the explosion has not yet been determined.
Bomb Disposal Squad: 30–40 Kg Explosives Used
The Bomb Disposal Squad later confirmed that 30 to 40 kilograms of explosives were used in the coordinated attack. The strength of the blast damaged nearby buildings and was heard far and wide, shaking the entire area. A large cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered from the slain militants.
Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti Issues Strong Condemnation
In a strongly worded statement, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti condemned the incident, declaring that the government “would not be frightened through such tactics” and vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. He said a handful of elements, acting at the behest of their “masters,” were targeting innocent civilians and attempting to destabilize the province. Bugti added that the government, law-enforcement agencies, and the people of Balochistan remain united in the fight against terrorism.
The explosion caused significant destruction to the surrounding area, with windows and doors of nearby buildings shattered by the force. Security forces quickly cordoned off the site and launched a thorough investigation. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident has once again heightened concerns over the security situation in Balochistan’s provincial capital, which has witnessed a series of violent incidents in recent months.
