14 killed, 35 injured in Quetta explosion
Photo: File
At least 14 people were killed and 35 others injured in a powerful explosion near a public rally organised by the Balochistan National Party (BNP) in Quetta on Tuesday.
The explosion took place close to the Shahwani Stadium shortly after the conclusion of a gathering held to mark the fourth death anniversary of Sardar Attaullah Mengal. Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar confirmed the casualties.
Also Read: Six soldiers martyred, five terrorists killed in Bannu attack: ISPR
According to police officials, initial reports indicate that the explosion targeted BNP chief Akhtar Mengal and his convoy, however, Mengal remained unharmed in the incident.
Law enforcement agencies and security forces swiftly cordoned off the area following the blast, while emergency responders transported the injured to nearby hospital. The condition of several victims is reported to be critical.
Speaking to the media, BNP spokesperson Sajid Tareen claimed that 13 party workers had been martyred in the attack. “The moment Akhtar Mengal’s vehicle passed by, a loud explosion occurred,” he said.
Investigators are working to determine the nature of the explosion and whether it was through an improvised explosive device (IED) or a suicide attack.
Thank you for your prayers and messages. Alhumdulillah I am safe, but deeply heartbroken at the loss of our workers. Around 15 have been martyred and many injured. They stood by me and gave their lives for our cause. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. May Allah grant them…
Later, BNP-M chief confirmed he was safe in a post on X. “Thank you for your prayers and messages. Alhumdulillah, I am safe but heartbroken over the loss of our workers,” he said.
He added that around 15 party workers were martyred and many injured. “Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. May Allah grant them Jannah and give patience to their families,” he said.
Mengal vowed to carry the responsibility forward. “This is a debt on me, and I will carry it with resolve.”
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemned the attack, calling it a ‘cowardly act by the enemies of humanity’. He added, “Such acts of terrorism are meant to destabilise the province and spread fear among innocent citizens.”
Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, strongly condemned the bomb blast at Shahwani Stadium. pic.twitter.com/uqK3XmAXfV
Bugti directed authorities to ensure the injured receive the best possible medical care and called for a high-level investigation into the incident. He also instructed law enforcement agencies to arrest those responsible, at the earliest.
A special investigation committee has been formed and tasked with submitting a report as soon as possible. Security has been beefed up in and around Quetta in the aftermath of the explosion.
No group has claimed responsibility for the bombing so far.