NUSHKI: In yet another act of violence rocking Balochistan, a powerful explosion near a passenger bus on the Nushki-Dalbandin highway claimed five lives and left 14 others injured, including two in critical condition, local police reported on Sunday.
Authorities have yet to determine the exact nature of the explosion, as investigations into the extent of the damage and casualties continue.
This tragic incident follows a string of terrorist attacks in the province, including a recent assault in the Mushqaf area of Bolan district. According to the Global Terrorism Index 2025, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa accounted for more than 96% of terror-related attacks and fatalities in Pakistan during 2024.
Last Tuesday, militants linked to the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) carried out a coordinated assault, detonating a section of a railway track and attacking the Jaffar Express, which was carrying over 440 passengers. The attackers took passengers hostage, leading to a high-stakes security operation.
After an intense clearance mission, security forces successfully neutralized 33 militants and freed the captives. However, the violence resulted in significant loss of life—26 passengers were killed, including 18 security personnel from the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps (FC), three officials from Pakistan Railways and other departments, and five civilians.
Additionally, three FC personnel lost their lives in an earlier attack on a security outpost before the train ambush.
The recent surge in terrorist activity underscores the ongoing security challenges in Balochistan, as authorities work to counter militant threats in the region.
