The mangled wreckage of a security forces vehicle is seen following a bomb explosion on the outskirts of Quetta on May 23, 2013. PHOTO: AFP
Sixteen people were wounded in the attack, and the death toll could rise, police said. The bomb was planted in a three-wheeled auto-rickshaw and blew up as a truck carrying the security men passed by.
"We proudly claim responsibility for Thursday's blast in Quetta and the target was local police. The Balochistan police recently arrested and killed some of our colleagues belonging to the Swat Taliban," said Taliban spokesperson Ehsanullah Ehsan.
Swat is a region in northwest Pakistan that the militants have tried to control for years.
It was the second major attack since the May 11 general election which marked the first transition between civilian governments in Pakistan's turbulent history after a campaign marred by violence.
Prime Minister-elect Nawaz Sharif has called for talks with the Taliban in a bid to end rising militancy, but the spokesperson said it was too early to react.
"We are waiting for him to form his government and see what type of policies he formulates towards us," the spokesperson said.
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@John cena:
But but I thought we would talk with Taliban and things would magically go back to normal and we’ll live happily ever after. Didn't realise there was a change of plan.
PMLN and PTI, your friends are obviously ready for talks. What is a few dead bodies between friends.
Dear Sialkotia,
We must ask ourselves if we’re serving justice to those killed at the hands of these terrorists by blaming “external forces”. These homegrown insurgents have left very little to ponder regarding their deadly objectives. They are simply focused on destabilizing the region for the sake of gaining control. It is sickening to see them “proudly claim responsibility” for the killings of innocents. It is safe to say they have no remorse for taking innocent lives. They see anybody as a threat who opposes their evil ideology. And that’s why they’ve repeatedly issued warnings against our nations. They do not want to see our nations working together against their evil mission. We send our heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families. We hope that they will find the strength to deal with this tragedy. We again emphasize the importance of remaining unified against those who are working against our peace objectives in the region.
Ali Khan
Honestly wese, how are these talks with Taliban supposed to work? I mean, you don't expect them to just sit and that's it, everything's perfect, do you? We'll have talks, they'll put forward their demands. Keeping in mind their unconditional love of blowing up schools and shooting girls, I believe they'll want restrictions on education, especially girls' education. Phir they don't like polio vaccines either. They don't like cinemas and other such entertainment outlets. And they aren't too cool with women having a career, or just even providing for her family single-handedly. Not too fond of Sufis either. Oh and they like flogging 17 year olds too. And so much more that you already know. So, we go sit with them and talk about what? Meeting some of these demands? Which ones do you propose we should meet?
Political justice,social justice and economic justice is indispensable for a state,state or country can not go a head without justice.
Baluchistan's popular will demanding right full share in the production of natural sources but the province still deprived of its right.
previous government continuously ignoring the right of the province ,resulting in we are watching uprising there.
newly elected government should consider the provincial rights and submitted to the people.
We must learn a lesson from the history of the country and remember the dark days of our eastern wing's dismemeberment.
@Sialkotia: Nice one brother ! I wished escapism and delusion could provide a solution to your travails.
@Mirza: It’s a very sad incident indeed and this thing is very obvious that certain external forces are trying their best to destabilize Pakistan with the help of their local agents. Another failed effort of yesterday in Karachi where Chinese engineers were the target is another example. It’s really a matter of grave concern and I believe will be the prime challenge for Sharif government to root out these forces and eradicate this terrorism and its masterminds who are trying to disintegrate our country.
May Allah bless there souls, there sacrifices would not go in vain. Salute to our Jawans.
My heart bleeds when I read such horrible news.
I don't know when Pakistan would be able to eliminate these terrorists so that country should start flourishing to achieve its targets and goals set by the Founder of the Nation.
My heartfelt condolences with the families of all those Jawans who got killed in the line of their duty.
May Al-Mighty rest their souls in peace. Aameen.
I have a novel idea. Why don't we raise an army like most other countries which would try to protect our innocent Pakistanis from these rag tag armed terrorists?
China should provide high tech sensors and jammers for explosive detection and deactivation.. Chinese security firms r well come.
Again a very tragic barbaric act against innocent Pakistanis. Some would still tell us to negotiate with the terrorists and surrender to their dictates.