Quetta: At least 24 people were killed, and more than 50 others were injured in a suspected suicide bombing at Quetta Railway Station in Pakistan's Balochistan province. The explosion occurred as passengers were gathering for the departure of the Jaffar Express, which was scheduled to depart for Peshawar.
According to Quetta Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Mohammad Baloch, approximately 100 people were at the station when the blast took place. The explosion occurred on the platform, where passengers were preparing to board the train. The injured have been rushed to Civil Hospital Quetta, and the blast site has been cordoned off by rescue and law enforcement teams.
The hospital has declared an emergency, and the Medical Superintendent reported that the dead included women and children. “46 injured people were brought to the hospital for immediate treatment, with many in critical condition,” said the Superintendent.
Police believe the attack may have been a suicide bombing, as it occurred when the platform was crowded with passengers around 9 a.m. Authorities are still investigating the exact cause.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti condemned the attack as a “horrific act targeting innocent civilians” and ordered an immediate inquiry into the incident. “Terrorists are increasingly targeting ordinary civilians, including women and children. We will relentlessly pursue those responsible,” Bugti said.
Balochistan has witnessed a surge in militant activity, with numerous deadly attacks on security forces and civilians, further destabilizing the region. Earlier this week, a roadside bomb in Mastung killed nine people, including five children, and injured 17 others. The explosion targeted a vehicle carrying security forces providing protection for polio health workers.
The provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have been the focal points of violence, as militant groups continue to carry out attacks, leading to widespread terror and unrest. Pakistan has accused these groups of receiving support from across the Afghan border, urging the Afghan Taliban to take action against them and prevent further cross-border terrorism.
With IANS inputs