Quetta – A devastating suicide bombing shook Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, on Saturday morning, resulting in the tragic deaths of 27 people and injuring over 40 others.
The blast reportedly took place near the booking office at the Quetta railway station shortly before a train arrived, during a time when the station was crowded, leading to high casualties.
Emergency responders, police, and rescue teams rushed to the scene. An emergency was declared at Quetta’s Civil Hospital, where extra medical staff were mobilized to treat the wounded.
Quetta Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat confirmed that the explosion was a suicide attack, describing how the bomber entered the station with a bag, making it difficult to prevent the incident. He called on the public to donate blood due to shortages at the hospital.
The commissioner also confirmed that law enforcement officers were among the casualties. A banned group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The Jaffer Express was set to depart for Peshawar at 9 a.m., according to railway officials. With several victims in critical condition, officials fear the death toll could rise further.
Speaking to the media, Senior Superintendent Police (SSP) Operations Muhammad Baloch confirmed that the blast appeared to be a suicide bombing. The explosion damaged the station platform’s roof and was heard throughout nearby areas.
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind reported that around 40 people were injured, 10 of whom are in critical condition. Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti called an emergency meeting on provincial security after canceling his foreign visit.
In response to inquiries about potential threats, Rind noted no specific warnings regarding Saturday’s attack but acknowledged the broader security risks facing the province.
Preliminary Report
The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) released an initial report, confirming the suicide nature of the explosion. The bomber, who was carrying 8-10 kilograms of explosives, detonated the device among passengers. Forensic tests will be conducted on the remains, and officials plan to use the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to help identify the attacker.
Condemnations and Reactions
Acting President Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani condemned the attack, denouncing the perpetrators as enemies of humanity. He emphasized the government’s commitment to eliminating terrorism.
Chief Minister Bugti also condemned the attack and directed a thorough investigation. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah expressed his sorrow, calling it an act aimed at spreading fear and instability.
Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal condemned the attack, offering sympathy for the victims and vowing to hold the terrorists accountable. He assured the public that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to security and peace.
Other political leaders, including MQM-P Convener Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, expressed their condolences and called for stronger security measures to prevent such incidents.
Surge in Terror Incidents
A report from the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) highlighted a 90% increase in violence in recent months. The third quarter alone saw 722 fatalities and 615 injuries across 328 recorded incidents. This rise in violence has mainly impacted the provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
With the year’s total fatalities now exceeding those of 2023, these incidents underscore the urgent need for strengthened security measures.
