Bomb targeting flag shop in Quetta injures 12

Officials say IED was detonated using timed device

QUETTA: As many as 12 people were injured when a bomb targeting a shop selling Pakistani flags near Prince Road in downtown Quetta, exploded on Tuesday night, two days before the country celebrates its 68th Independence day.

The shop was destroyed while window panes of nearby building and shops were shattered due to the blast.

Gulmandi police SHO Mohammed Tariq said that the explosion was caused by a timed improvised explosive device (IED) which had been planted by unknown assailants.

“At least 12 people were injured in the blast. It was an IED with time device.”

The injured were shifted to the Sandeman Hospital for treatment where some of the injured are said to be in critical condition. Security forces sealed the area immediately after the blast.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Quetta Abdul Razzaq Cheema said security had already been beefed up in Quetta to thwart possible attacks by militants and separatists.

“Shopkeepers and hotel owners were asked to keep a close eye on the activities of suspects,” he said, adding that police are already on high alert.

As many as 2,000 police personnel, nine platoons of Frontier Corps (FC) and 200 personnel of Balochistan Levies have been deployed in Quetta to maintain peace during Independence day.