Afridi says Quetta blast aimed at creating division among Pakistanis

State minister says govt stands side by side with those affected

State Minister for Interior Shaheryar Afridi on Monday said the Hazar Ganji blast – which martyred at least 20 people –  was carried out to divide the people of Pakistan.

Afridi, along with Special Assistant Syed Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari visited Quetta as the Hazara community’s sit-in protest entered its fourth day.

Afridi, while talking to community leaders, said the attack aimed to destablise the country, adding all stakeholders including the armed forces and the provincial and federal governments stand united in their commitment to eradicating the menace of terrorism and uplift Balochistan.



The minister added the government stands side by side with those affected and reiterated that the "state will punish those responsible".

"We will defeat the nefarious designs of enemies and end Balochistan's sense of deprivation," he added further.

"The blast was an attempt by the enemies of Pakistan to place us on the FATF blacklist."

He also reiterated the government's commitment to protecting the weak in these difficult times, adding that they share the grief with bereaved families.

Offering condolences to the Hazara community, he said every Pakistan including himself will be held answerable for the oppression that has occurred with Hazara community.

Referring to the government's current crackdown against banned organisations, the minister for interior requested the community leaders to not doubt the government's intention.

Prime Minister Imran Khan announced to visit the bereaved families of the Hazar Ganji market attack victims on April 18. The premier will also attend a high-level meeting on peace and security during his visit to the provincial capital.



The Hazara community’s sit-in protest started after Friday’s suicide attack which killed 20 people including ten members belonging to the Hazara community and around 50 injured. Da’ish on Sunday claimed responsibility for the attack on the vegetable market.