Quetta, Balochistan (November 9, 2024) – A deadly suicide bombing at Quetta Railway Station has claimed the lives of at least 26 people and left 62 others injured. The attack occurred on Saturday morning, escalating the ongoing threat of terrorism in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. Local authorities confirmed that two of the initial injured later succumbed to their injuries, bringing the death toll higher.
The blast occurred around 8:25 AM when a suicide bomber targeted a crowd of civilians and security personnel. Early reports indicated that the attack was aimed at law enforcement officers, particularly army personnel from the Infantry School, though civilians were also among the victims. The banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Details of the Blast and Casualties
According to provincial health department spokesperson Wasim Baig, the bomb blast left 26 people dead, including both military and civilian casualties. Among the injured, 46 were security personnel and 14 were civilians. Six individuals are in critical condition, with several others transferred to intensive care units.
Quetta Division Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat confirmed that the attack was a “suicide attack” targeting law enforcement agencies but acknowledged that many civilians were also caught in the explosion. The blast occurred near the platform where a train, the Jaffar Express, was scheduled to depart for Peshawar.
Authorities Respond and Appeal for Blood Donations
Emergency services rushed to the site of the attack, with police and the Bomb Disposal Squad collecting evidence. The authorities also imposed a ban on gatherings in the area and heightened security across Quetta, including snap-checking at various locations.
Provincial officials urged the public to avoid visiting the railway station, the Trauma Centre, or the Civil Hospital due to concerns over possible secondary attacks. Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar was seen at the Quetta Trauma Centre overseeing medical treatment for the wounded, while emergency protocols were activated in local hospitals.
A public appeal for blood donations was made to assist the large number of injured victims. Authorities are working to ensure that enough medical resources are available for those affected.
Condemnations and Political Reactions
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti condemned the attack, calling it an act of cowardice targeting innocent civilians, including women and children. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also strongly condemned the bombing, offering condolences to the victims’ families and vowing that those responsible would face justice.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in a call with CM Bugti, assured full support from the federal government in combating terrorism in Balochistan. The attack has intensified concerns about the rising violence and instability in the region, which has seen an uptick in terrorism-related incidents in recent months.
Ongoing Terrorism Threat in Balochistan
This tragic bombing follows a series of recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan. Last week, a bomb blast near a girl’s school and a hospital in Mastung district killed eight people, including five children. The rise in violence in Balochistan, along with increasing terrorist activity in other regions of Pakistan, has drawn widespread concern.
In 2023, Pakistan experienced a record number of fatalities and injuries from terrorist attacks, with more than 1,500 casualties. The recent surge in violence, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by Pakistan.
The attack at Quetta Railway Station is a stark reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism in Pakistan. As the nation reels from the loss of innocent lives, the authorities continue their efforts to address the growing security challenges in Balochistan.
The federal and provincial governments have pledged to take decisive action to ensure the safety and security of the people of Pakistan, with a particular focus on countering militant activities in the region.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to local news channels and government announcements.
