Female bomber targets cops in Turbat

PM’s aide survives attack on his convoy

QUETTA:

A police official was martyred and five other people were injured after a female suicide bomber targeted a Frontier Corps’ (FC) vehicle in Balochistan’s Turbat city on Saturday.

The attack occurred as the convoy approached the Commissioner Chowk, police sources said.

The exact number of injured was not known immediately, however, policemen were stated to be among them.

A senior administration officer termed the incident a suicide attack, adding that an investigation had been ordered.

The injured were rushed to the hospital while the police reached the spot of incident and collected evidence.

Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo strongly condemned the incident, expressing grief over the death of the policeman.

He said the architects of such terrorist acts would be brought to justice.

Read Three terrorists killed in Turbat IBO: ISPR

“The aim of terrorism is to halt the development process and intimidate the security forces. The evil intentions of terrorists will never be successful,” the chief minister said in a statement.

“The sensible people of Makran will thwart the ambitions of elements who are against development,” he added, noting that the people’s well-being would be ensured and the province would be developed through continuous efforts.

Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove also condemned the attack, terming it a conspiracy against the traditional peace of Balochistan.

The incident once again highlighted the security challenges faced by the province.

Balochistan has been grappling with a wave of terrorism and insurgency for several years, with various militant groups carrying out attacks targeting security forces and civilians.

The province, which shares borders with Iran and Afghanistan, is strategically significant, and efforts to maintain peace and stability in the area remain a top priority for the government and law enforcement agencies.

Meanwhile, PML-N Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa President and Prime Minister’s aide Amir Muqam escaped unhurt after unidentified people opened fire at his convoy in the province’s Shangla district on Saturday.

According to details, the PM’s aide was on his way to attend a public gathering and inaugurate the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) office in the Martung area.

On the way, unidentified armed men opened fire at his convoy.

The attackers fled after security personnel escorting Muqam resorted to retaliatory firing, and the PM’s aide remained safe.

Later, the police cordoned off the area and initiated a search operation.

In 2014, Muqam survived a suicide attack at the same place in Martung.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and inquired after Muqam’s well-being while expressing solidarity with him. (With input from our Shangla correspondent)