Quetta Blast Kills 10, Injures 32; President Points Finger at India-Backed Militants

The injured were rushed to Civil Hospital and the Trauma Centre, prompting a state of emergency in major hospitals, including Quetta Civil Hospital, Balochistan Medical College (BMC) Hospital, and the Trauma Centre. All medical staff were instructed to remain on site.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti condemned the attack, alleging India-backed terrorists were behind it. 

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti described the incident as a terrorist attack. He said that after the blast, security forces acted swiftly and killed four terrorists. He added that such cowardly acts by terrorists cannot weaken the nation’s resolve. He expressed solidarity with the families of the martyrs and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

President’s Secretariat said the suicide attack was carried out by terrorists of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The statement further added that forces trying to destabilise Pakistan will not succeed. The bravery and readiness of security personnel foiled the terrorists’ plans.

The President wished a speedy recovery for the injured and praised the courage of the personnel serving to protect the country.

Despite being Pakistan's major hotspot for natural resources and a major source of its supply of natural gas, Balochistan has been at the centre of attacks and blasts. This has caused significant damage to civilian life in Balochistan, killing several innocent people.

Recent Blasts

On September 2nd, a suicide bomber targeted a political rally on the outskirts of Quetta, killing at least 13 people and wounding 30 others. The rally was being held by the Balochistan National Party (BNP) to commemorate a late nationalist leader.

On September 23rd, a bomb blast targeted the Quetta-bound Jaffar Express passenger train in the Mastung district. The explosion derailed six carriages and injured at least twelve people, including women and children. This was reportedly the second blast targeting the railway track in the same area within 10 hours, highlighting the persistent security challenges in Balochistan.