QUETTA: Balochistan's provincial capital Quetta was rocked by a deadly suicide explosion on Saturday morning which has killed at least 27 people and injured more than 60 others.
Early reports suggest that the explosion occurred at the railway station’s booking office shortly before the train reached the platform. With the station typically crowded, the risk of substantial casualties is high.
Police and rescue teams arrived at the blast site, while an emergency was declared at Quetta's Civil Hospital, with extra doctors and support staff summoned to assist.
Meanwhile, Quetta Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat has confirmed that the explosion was suicidal in nature.
Revealing that the suicide bomber entered the station with luggage, the commissioner said that it was difficult to stop a person whose intention was to carry out a suicide attack.
Speaking to Geo News, Shafqaat urged the people to donate blood due to blood shortage.
The official further confirmed that law enforcement agencies's (LEAs) personnel were among those martyred in the attack for which a banned organisation has claimed responsibility.
The Jaffer Express was scheduled to depart for Peshawar at 9am, according to railway officials.
Officials informed Geo News that with several of the injured in critical condition, the death toll from the blast may rise.
Talking to the media, Senior Superintendent Police (SSP) Operations Quetta Muhammad Baloch earlier said that the explosion seemed to be a suicide blast.
"The blast took place inside the railway station when the Peshawar-bound express was about to leave for its destination," said the police officer.
The blast, which also damaged the platform's roof, was heard far and wide in various areas of the city.
Talking to Geo News, Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind had earlier revealed that nearly 40 people were injured in the blast — of which 10 were in critical condition.
He further said that Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti has summoned an emergency meeting regarding the province's law and order situation and will shortly arrive back home after cancelling his foreign visit.
Responding to a query whether there was any specific threat regarding today's blast, the government spokesperson responded in the negative. However, he acknowledged that a general security threat did exist in light of the prevailing law and order situation in the province.
The counter-terrorism department (CTD) issued a preliminary report of the incident, saying that the nature of the blast was suicide attack.
"The suicide bomber blew himself while being among the passengers. The body parts of the bomber will be sent to the forensic lab for testing," said the officials.
They added that they will take help from the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) to identify the attacker. "The bomber had a bag which contained 8 to 10 kg of explosive materials," they said.
Condemning the deadly incident, Acting President Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani said terrorists were enemies of humanity who targeted innocent people.
Gillani reiterated the resolve to take all possible measures for the complete eradication of terrorism.
Meanwhile, Balochistan CM Bugti has directed the relevant officials to investigate the fatal incident.
The chief minister further reiterated the resolve to eradicate the scourge of terrorism from the province.
Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah also condemned the blast. Expressing sorrow, he said: "I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives in this act of terrorism in Quetta." He added that anti-state elements are trying to create an atmosphere of fear.
Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal condemned the Quetta blast and expressed sympathy with the victims. "These cowardly attacks cannot weaken our resolve," said Iqbal.
"We will bring the terrorists to justice," he added.
Iqbal assured that the government would conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and affirmed that there would be no compromise in the commitment to progress and peace.
Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) Convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui also condemned the blast, saying that the rising incidents of terrorism in the country are deeply concerning.
He urged the government to ensure better arrangements for the treatment of the injured. "May Allah grant forgiveness to the deceased and patience to their families," he added.
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman termed the incident "truly tragic" and added that repeated acts of terrorism in Balochistan are raising questions about the country’s security.
He expressed heartfelt condolences to the affected families and called on the government to ensure the restoration of peace in Balochistan through urgent and concrete measures.
Namaz-e-Janaza (funeral prayer) for the Shuhada, who embraced martyrdom in a suicide blast targeting innocent citizens and passengers at Quetta Railway Station, was offered in Quetta Garrison today, the ISPR said in a statement.
The funeral was attended by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Balochistan Chief Minister Balochistan Sarfraz Bugti, Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail , provincial ministers and a large number of military and civilian officials.
Following the funeral, the COAS visited CMH Quetta and met the injured of the tragic incident.
Gen Munir highlighted that terrorism will never be tolerated and reaffirmed nation’s resolve and commitment towards eradicating the menace.
The COAS emphasised that this mission will be pursued with full national resolve and collective determination. He underscored that the fight against terrorism requires the steadfast support of all Pakistanis, along with the efforts of the military and civil institutions, to secure a peaceful and prosperous future for the country.
As per a report issued by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), the third quarter of the ongoing year witnessed a 90% surge in violence.
With a total of 722 people being killed, including civilians, security personnel, and outlaws, while 615 others were wounded in as many as 328 incidents recorded during the period under review, 97% of the se fatalities occurred in the aforementioned provinces.
Furthermore, over 92% of these incidents of terror attacks and security forces’ operations were recorded in the same provinces.
The total fatalities from three quarters of this year have now surpassed the total fatalities recorded for the entire 2023; the number of fatalities rose to at least 1534 in the first three quarters compared to 1523 in 2023.
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