QUETTA – A devastating suicide blast struck Quetta Railway Station early Saturday, resulting in the deaths of 17 people and leaving nearly two dozen others injured.
Police Surgeon Dr. Ayesha Faiz confirmed that 21 individuals who were rushed to Civil Hospital following the attack had died. The explosion occurred near the ticket counter, just as the Jaffer Express, which was scheduled to depart for Peshawar at 9:00 am, was preparing to leave.
Emergency responders, including police and rescue teams, quickly arrived at the scene, cordoning off the area and launching an investigation into the cause of the blast. No terrorist group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack in Balochistan’s capital.
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The attack has raised serious concerns about the security at public transportation hubs, as authorities investigate whether the blast was a targeted assault or an accidental explosion.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti condemned the explosion, calling it a “horrific act” that targeted innocent civilians. He pledged to pursue those responsible with relentless determination. Provincial spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed that security forces had secured the railway station, and bomb disposal experts were at the site investigating the blast. A detailed official report is expected shortly.
Balochistan, the country’s least developed region, has witnessed a sharp rise in terrorist attacks in recent months, resulting in numerous casualties. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group advocating for Balochistan’s independence and opposing Chinese projects in the region, has emerged as a significant threat in the area.
