The site of the blast. PHOTO: AFP
The blast that took place in the early hours of Wednesday in the busy market left at least 22 people dead and dozens injured.
Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) officials said nine of the injured were in critical condition. Many wounded were also taken to the Holy Family Hospital in Rawalpindi and emergency was declared in both the hospitals of twin cities.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, President Mamnoon Hussain and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan condemned the explosion, with interior minister ordering a report on the explosion.
Speaking to the media later in the day, the Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar said that the use of technology was imperative for the prevention of such incidents in the future, adding that a transparent system needs to be set up to monitor the transport of goods and produce in the area.
He criticised the previous government, informing that two of the four explosive material scanners that were purchased by the previous government at a cost of Rs10 million never arrived, while the ones that were delivered did not serve the purpose.
He assured that the government will find the terrorists behind the incident and bring them to justice. He added that people who were injured in the incident and who lost their loved ones will be compensated by the government.
Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) spokesperson Shahidullah Shahid also issued a condemnation and said it was 'haram' and illegal to attack innocent people in public places.
Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid visited PIMS to meet the injured and appreciated the hospital’s rescue efforts in the aftermath. He said injured were swiftly shifted to the hospital within minutes.
The minister also lauded the citizens of Rawalpindi for extending help to the injured. Rashid refused to comment on who could be behind the attack, saying speculations can negatively affect the ongoing investigations.
According to Inspector General (IG) Islamabad, four to five kilogrammes of explosive material were used in the blast. The explosives were reportedly planted in a crate of fruit.
"It was a bomb blast, heard over a big radius," local police official Tehzeeb Hussain told AFP.
The blast left a 1.5-metre diameter crater at the site, an AFP reporter at the scene said. Senior local administration official Nauman Yousuf told AFP "it was a planted bomb".
Express News screengrab of the site of the blast.
According to rescue sources, 13 vehicles were damaged in the explosion.
Security officials and the police cordoned off the area and the Bomb Disposal Squad combed the area for other explosive devices.
Search operations were conducted in Rawalpindi following the blast. Security was increased at the entry and exit points of the garrison city, where police have arrested 16 suspects so far.
Family members can contact Pims representatives on 0519261225 - 0519261262.
COMMENTS (69)
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United Baloch Army, operated from India through Afghanistan confirmed. These cowards who attack Pakistani civilians must be brought to justice.
@Padre: Chuck Hagel also said this in December 2013:
Meanwhile, U.S. officials have been frustrated over Pakistan’s unwillingness to target terrorist networks in Pakistan who launch attacks on U.S. and coalition troops across the border in Afghanistan.
“During his meeting with the prime minister, Secretary Hagel reviewed shared concerns regarding the activities of terrorist groups, including the Haqqani network, on Pakistani territory.”
Pakistan: What you sow, so shall you reap. If you have eyes to see then see your past. Your misdeeds are coming home to rule the roost. Literally speaking.
I bet all you people who starting talking about the TTP and Nawaz Sharif feel like idiots now, since Baloch rebels took responsibility for the attack.
Thanks to PEACE talks, every new blast will be claimed by a NEW organization not related to TTP.
We all should prepare ourselves for the life that is everlasting.And we should pray Allah to solve our problems.these politicians and dictators have and are pushing our homeland into unrecoverable state.May Allah Bless our Pakistan, our brave nation.
@Blunt: How is that going to help the kith & kin of the dead?
Shall the government start operation in Balochistan too?
@Nida Alvi: Ms. Alvi, before you beat others with the stick of ignorance, let me remind you, Musharraf did not push Pakistan into anything. You had people from Pakistan and the tribal areas going into Afghanistan to fight the Americans. Under the UN resolutions, you cannot allow people from your own country to go stir up trouble next door in another sovereign country. Call it the law of might is right or whatever else, but we were on the receiving end and it was up to the then government to stop people from our side from going over to Afghanistan. This is what the Army tried to stop.
It seems you are one of those PTI types who think Pakistan could have sat out of the US-Afghan war peacefully without any repercussions. Had that been done, Pakistan would have lost its say in the matter altogether and while you may say you don't want a say, that is not how folks running the national policy think. Pakistan was not going to be left out without a chair after all is said and done and this is the reason that Musharraf decided to do what he did in Pakistan's interests. Its very easy to call policies as bad in hindsight, but when you are in the mix of things, you do what you need to and that is called being pragmatic.
Wow, the commenters above may feel really embarrased now because it turns out the Baloch rebels are responsible and Chuck Hagel knows who's financing these rebels.
and all the so called liberal (though corrupt to the bone) parties are howling against law to curb terrorism
We strongly condemn the incident with strongest words..
strange that united baloch army has claimed the responsibility but still some are talking about jihad and taliban either people posting the comments are not reading the story or are simply hallucinating
So Baloch seperatists have now reached Islamabad
@Zeeshan Khan:
Really? Are you some sort of insider? Tell us more.
A false flag operation to blame Baluchis and to justify the new draconian so called protection of Pakistan law.
Let's take the path of least resistance and blame modi.
Blast in Jafferabad/Sibi, Blast in Nawabshah, Blast in Islamabad; When would PMLN take responsibility and at least the Interior Minister submit his resignation instead of blaming a foreign hand (it is a usual practice) What a shame?
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the victims’ families. We sincerely hope that their loved ones will find the strength to deal with this tragedy. We also wish a quick and speedy recovery to those who are injured. Incidents like these prove that certain terrorist elements remain focused on sabotaging our peace efforts in the region. Unfortunately for them, our nations refuse to let these acts of terror break our shared will and desire to succeed against terrorism. The seriousness of the situation requires our nations to stand united against those who threaten the safety of our nations. We fully support Pakistani government’s efforts to negate the threat of violence, and wish to see peace prevail throughout the country.
Ali Khan Digital Engagement Team, USCENTCOM
Only federal government stands responsible for this massacre, they should accept their failure instead of blaming.... the general public should pressurized government to take possible actions accordingly without chattering on history/talibans/TTP/America/thirldforce
@Muslim Leaguer: and how will the bill prevent these kind of blasts?
Again we see false flag operations to destroy Pakistan. We know they are and they will pay for their heinous crimes.
"Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar said that the use of technology was imperative for the prevention of such incidents in the future, adding that a transparent system needs to be set up to monitor the transport of goods and produce in the area."
Why are such stupid statements made after each of these horrendous attacks? Why can't this government take proactive steps to put such systems in place so these types of attacks can be avoided? Another eyewash by the current government, all talk and no action! Useless...
@ Sons of Africa Please take care of Africa, do not worry about Pakistan. Our economic depend on USA aid, If we are reluctant to fight terrorists, big brother will send drones. We do not have wealth that they will take rather give us some aid to run the country. This world is slave of capitalism this does not make difference who is the boss. We want peace and tranquility. We are not fighting America we are fighting enemy within us.
@Nida Alvi The history of this goes back to Zia and perhaps beyond. Zia was not the only one to blame but he shares a big part of the guilt. We were supporting Taliban long before 911. We also indirectly gave safe harbor to terrorist groups from across the muslim world. This is why we have problems visiting muslim countries.
All of the people who do not want peace in Pakistan are trying their best to sabotage the peace talks. Another conspiracy against Pakistan.
A situation with a thousand saying. Treat others as you would like to be treated. What goes around comes around. When you point one finger at others, three point back at you.
“Love your neighbor, even the ones who do not show you the same courtesy. You can’t expect to receive love if you’re selective and not really willing to give it. What you put into the world, you will indeed get back.”
@Rambo: You have an intelligent brain, unfortunately it's a scarce component in the media-controlled sheep. Tribune hasn't published my previous comment probably because it graded the intelligence of Muslim Leaguer in candor. You are indeed right that after PPO anyone and any place can be searched without a warrant and anyone can be arrested for as long as one wants. It's a policing law which has huge potential to be abused. I am slowly loosing faith in the educated class of my country since they seem to be ones most misguided by false flag operations and are susceptible to biased propaganda.
How many more deaths of hapless civilians is it going to take before the military dominated “Deep State” of Pakistan comes to reject the belief that these deaths are acceptable collateral damage for fomenting Jihadi Terrorism in order to target India in support of the delusional idea that Pakistan is somehow India’s equal?
@Mir: when will the people of this country understand that America is great terrorist. and that the American will not rest until they have carved this beautiful country into pieces plundered their wealth and control the people as slaves
Govt. freed 16 Taliban from jail in response they freed our 22 civilian out of this world.... successful Negotiation is going on ..
@Muslim Leaguer: I am not in favor of the Pakistan Protection Ordinance.I would love to see the ones in favor Pakistan Protection Ordinance to be picked up by Intelligence agencies and no one will know where he has gone. Even the police will be helpless. 60 days after army style interrogation he will be dumped back to the road he was picked up from with hardly any strength to reach home and face unrecognizable.
"we condemn. . . "
If it is not TTP - then it is most frightening. That would mean our security agencies, or indeed the government has no clue to the terrorists roaming around our country, with God knows what agenda.
Thanks God they were not journalist , if they were , then Pakistani media+international media were gone mad. Poor people have nothing but only bullets , bombs and poverty suicide, rapes , and etc .. rich are cusined as ever
Terror strikes in USA, India, UK, Afghanistan, China & Russia is legitimate Jihad but at home they are terrorist? Surprised, there are no takers for these orphans back home. Anybody?
Fools are those who believe in quick fix! The enemy plan is to destabilise the region so that security experts and Think Tank personnel can be send from the Sherif office to the clear the mess. Pakistan is I guess the last muslim bastion left for destabilisation since the demolition experts are now needed for the destabilisation of Ukraine.
Rex Minor
We want drone drone and more drones to kill these monsters who wage war on us, But our Government wants to negotiation with the murderers. Allah bless Pakistan.
@The Failed Rebel: totally agree with you.where were these militans before 2001,were they on moon that we even didnt know about their existance now the whole world know them v well as terrorist ,whome even now US is funding in syria with the full support of the centre of muslim world saudi arabia
@sabi: do it start the operation then you will witness tens of bomb blasts every month.operation is no solution at all or else government and military have better know how about operation
for all those who are in favour of operation ,ask ur govt do it then you will see nothing but increase in bomb blasts,more killings,more division of already divided nation.actually we were wrong from the very start when mush started foreign war on our land that was the beginning and we are suffering like a world war is going on here.we need courageous and immediate steps either wilingly to move the dialogue process to its destination fulfilling their reasonable and justifiable demands or the next phase in case of failure of dialogue process start an operation but secluding those who are non combatant or else whole country will be in grip of operation
There will be no operation till we have the sons of lords families (Yousaf Raza Gilani and Salman Taseer), Government don`t care the killing of poor people who are the only bread winner for their families. Believe me once we had their sons, Government will decide for operation.
few are talking of operation,i suggest yes go for it.you wil see result for decades more same bomb blasts wil mark each day.operaton is never a solution actually we were wrong from the very beginning when our army started this american war then our brother become our enemies now we are all enemies of each other.still our nation is divided on how to solve the issue
@Nida Alvi: You are one of the few intelligent voices amidst the media-driven sheep. Kudos. We made enemies with people against whom we never even had to deploy the police. (small rebel skirmishes secluded)
@Nida Alvi: it is not about starting or ending a chapter. though that chapter was over after soviet war but it left a deep impact upon the minds. peaceful minds are tuned to extremism. its like a tumour and since that we are going deep and deep into extremism.
@Nida Alvi it is not about starting or ending a chapter. it is about creating people with such minds and minds create characters. it is like a tumour. though that chapter finished but we were pushed towards extremism.
Talk is cheap. Let's have more talks.
@QAS ...May Allah mercy upon us… Revise. Mat Taliban have mercy....
Now that one of our major leaders and stakeholders in the country, his Highness "Shahidullah Shahid" has spoken, we shall continue believing in TTP's innocence.
Please continue peace talks. 12, 15 Pakistanis dying in bomb blasts (and not being droned) everyday must not come in the way of talks. I hope you publish this ET.
Sympathy with the families of dead and injured.. Why can't the the police / investigating officials trace and catch hold of culprits of any blast , i repeat any blast.? It speaks the failure of the administration , intelligence and inefficiency of the officials / system. it is a pathetic situation when you don't know where the death trap is waiting for you/innocent persons.
@Imtiaz: I salute your ignorance of history.. The chapter of Zia was closed after Soviet Union's withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989. It was PPP's government in 1994 which created Taliban as their "proxies" in Afghanistan. Last but not the least, former dictator Pervez Musharraf pushed Pakistan into US-Afghan war just to get his dictatorship legitimized. He became darling of USA but entire Pakistan is suffering due to loss of 60,000 innocent lives and US$ 100 Billion to the economy. Show the courage to face the realities!
And it was expected that Pakistanis would instantly blame Taliban and demand operation before any investigation has taken place.
There is a fight over 'dignity' of institutions but zero concern for divinity of human life.Pakistan you need real sons of soil to get rid of this monster.-in tilon main tail nahi.
very sad..very very sad..
Let's make noise for sometimes and than we will forget as usual.
It's time to shut the mouth of -talk wishers and launch full operation.
Thank you Zia. Your jihad-for-dollars-and-riyals, initiated in 1979 and continued by your followers to the present day, keeps on taking the lives of Pakistani civilians day after day after day. I hope it's not too hot where you are right now.
Pakistanis are starting to take daily bomb blasts in their stride. Nobody seems to be too perturbed at losing a few dozen citizens each day. Hard to see this happening in any other nation!
Inna Lillahe WA Inna Ilaihe Rajeoon. Ameen. My heart reaches out to the families. The TTP has started its diabolic insanity again. We must remember from history that these people from the other side are incorrigible. Salams
We will still talk, ignore this blast please...
Inna lillah wa inna illahe rajoon.
This is terrible reporting........ does not say anything about the sector or the location of the blast. Terrible, terrible.
The blast occurred presumably due to a bomb planted in a fruit/vegetable crate... This is the final time for the Federal Government to instal security scanners are at public places in the major cities of Pakistan. This critical project has been lingering on for the past 12 years ever since the former dictator decided to jump into USA's war. The entire Pakistani nation stands behind Pakistan Protection Ordinance (baring a few pol parties running their militant wings) to pre-empty and prevent such terror strikes.
very Sad news ! May Allah mercy upon us...
The blast was heard at the crossing of Murree Road and Peshawar Road, near GHQ. The cause may be the material being used for construction at Murree Road.