Quetta blast death toll reaches six

Two more succumb to injuries a day later; CTD registers case against unidentified persons

QUETTA:

The Quetta blast death toll reached six on Thursday a day after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded near Saleem Medical Complex on Jinnah Road in.

The Balochistan Health Department identified the deceased as Muhammad Akram, son of Khan Muhammad; Sharafuddin, son of Niaz Muhammad; Younis Agha, son of Agha Jan; Hafiz Muhammad Akram, Sanaullah, son of Muhammad Akram; and Muhammad Ramzan, son of Muhammad Sadiq.

A case was registered by the officials of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) against unknown terrorists, which includes provisions of attempted murder, terrorism and explosives.

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A day earlier, the CTD spokesperson said in a statement that at around 9:40pm an IED planted at the main gate of the Science College Ground went off as participants of a public meeting were leaving the venue.

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo condemned the terrorist incident and expressed dissatisfaction over the security arrangements in the provincial capital.

He also expressed sorrow over the causalities and sought a report on the incident from the provincial police chief.

Express News quoting the police reported that a powerful blast shattered the windowpanes of nearby buildings and also damaged several vehicles.