A devastating explosion rocked Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, on Saturday morning, claiming the lives of at least 21 people and injuring 30 others.
Initial reports indicate that the explosion occurred at the railway station’s booking office just before the arrival of a train. Given the usual crowd at the station, the potential for a high number of casualties was significant. Police and rescue teams swiftly arrived at the scene, and an emergency was declared at Quetta’s Civil Hospital, with additional medical staff mobilized to handle the crisis.
The Jaffer Express, which was scheduled to depart for Peshawar at 9 am, had not yet arrived when the blast took place. According to officials, the death toll may rise as several injured victims remain in critical condition.
Senior Superintendent Police (SSP) Muhammad Baloch suggested that the explosion appeared to be a suicide bombing, although investigations are ongoing.
The blast, which also caused damage to the platform’s roof, was heard in several parts of the city. The bomb disposal team has secured the area and is conducting further investigations into the nature of the explosion.
Government spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed the death toll and reported that nearly 40 individuals were injured, with 10 in critical condition. Balochistan’s Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti has called for an emergency meeting to address the law and order situation in the province, canceling his foreign visit to return home.
Despite the lack of a specific threat, officials acknowledged the ongoing security challenges in Balochistan. The incident has been widely condemned, with Acting President Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani labeling the attackers as enemies of humanity. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also expressed sorrow over the tragic loss of life, calling it an attempt to instill fear among the public.
This blast is part of a broader trend of increasing violence in the region, with a 90% rise in terrorist activities and security incidents during the third quarter of this year, according to the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS). The total number of fatalities in the first three quarters of 2024 has surpassed last year’s toll, underlining the growing security concerns in Balochistan and neighboring provinces.
