At least 26 individuals met a tragic fate and 62 others sustained injuries when a devastating suicide blast shattered the Quetta Railway Station on Saturday, as reported by local authorities and hospital representatives.
This calamity strikes merely a week after a deadly bomb exploded near a girl’s school and hospital in Balochistan’s Mastung district, claiming the lives of eight people, five of whom were children. In recent times, Pakistan, especially its Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, has experienced a disturbing increase in terrorism-related incidents.
While conversing with Dawn.com, Wasim Baig, the spokesperson for the provincial health department, disclosed that the death toll elevated to 26 after two more individuals succumbed to their wounds, amidst 62 others who were gravely injured.
Quetta Division Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat described the explosive event as a ‘suicide attack’ primarily aimed at law enforcement agents, though civilians also fell victim. Shafqaat mentioned that gatherings are prohibited in the vicinity while bus terminals maintain heightened alertness. He further mentioned that rail services have been halted with a request made to close the station entirely. As reported by Geo News, some law enforcement officers were also martyred in this horrendous act, besides the civilians.
Quoting Reuters, Moazzam Jah Ansari, the Inspector General of Police in Balochistan, stated, ‘The attack targeted army personnel from the Infantry School.’