One policeman martyred, 10 injured in Quetta blast

Law enforcers apparent target; incident takes place on Double Road in front of car showroom

QUETTA: At least one policeman was martyred and 10 others including five passersby injured in an attack on a police vehicle in Quetta's Double Road area on Tuesday, officials said.

According to police and rescue officials, a loud explosion took place on Double Road in front of a famous car showroom. The law enforcement force was the apparent target in the attack, they added.

Quetta DIG Abdul Razzaq Cheema, speaking to the media after the incident, said a patrolling RRG vehicle was targeted by the terrorists. Injured include five RRG officials and as many passersby, said the DIG, adding that sniper of the vehicle was martyred in the attack.

DIG Cheema said there is persistence security threat to the Balochistan capital and hoped that the Safe City Project (CCTV surveillance system) would soon be launched in Quetta.



PHOTO: EXPRESS

Dr Waseem Baig, the spokesperson for the trauma centre of Sandeman Provincial Hospital, confirmed the number of casualties.

Liaquat Shahwani, the spokesperson for the Balochistan government, strongly condemned the incident. He said the anti-state elements are targeting the innocent masses.

PHOTO: EXPRESS

Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove also condemned the terror attack and vowed to thwart any attempt to spread chaos in the province. He directed security forces and law enforcement agencies to further toughen up security measures at all entry and exit points of the city.

“This is a decisive war against terrorism… Pakistan Army, security forces and other law enforcement forces are defeating the terrorists,” he said in a statement.