IS claims responsibility for Bolan attack

At least nine personnel of the Balochistan Constabulary embraced martyrdom in the attack

QUETTA:

Islamic State claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing attack in Balochistan that left nine policemen dead on Monday, according to the SITE Intelligence Group.

At least nine personnel of the Balochistan Constabulary embraced martyrdom and 13 others were injured on Monday after a suicide bomber riding an explosives-laden motorbike struck a police truck on the Sukkur-Quetta Highway in the Bolan district — about 120km from Quetta.

The personnel were on their way back to Quetta after performing duties at the annual ‘Sibi Mela’ when the truck was targeted in the Dhadar area.
"ISIS claims suicide attack in Sibi, Balochistan," tweeted Rita Katz, director of the SITE Intel Group that tracks Islamist extremists.

Hospital officials said at least 7 policemen were wounded in the attack, the latest in a series targeting police personnel in Pakistan.

Meanwhile, the Balochistan government has increased the compensation amount by amending the Police and Levies Martyrs Compensation Policy.

According to the notification, the compensation of Shaheed Sepoy, Head Constable, ASI, SI and Inspector (Grade 1 to 16) has been increased from Rs3 million to Rs10 million while the compensation of Shaheed ASP and DSP (Grade 17) has been increased from Rs5 million to Rs15 million.

The notification read that the compensation of Police and Levies Shaheed officers of grades 18 and 19 has been increased from Rs9 million to Rs20 million whereas the compensation of martyred police officers of grades 20 to 22 has been increased from Rs10 million to Rs20 million.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the suicide attack, according to his spokesman.

"He extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a prompt recovery to those injured," Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.