Quetta: A powerful explosion rocked Quetta’s Double Road on Thursday, killing at least three people and injuring 21 others, including security personnel, shopkeepers, and bystanders. The blast targeted a police van on routine patrol, severely injuring officers inside the vehicle.
According to Police Surgeon Dr. Ayesha Faiz, three people lost their lives in the attack, while several others remain in critical condition. Dr. Abdul Hadi, the Medical Superintendent of Sandeman Hospital, confirmed that four victims are in critical condition. Dr. Arbab Kamran, the Managing Director of the Trauma Centre, assured that emergency medical aid is being provided to all the injured.
In response to the Quetta explosion, authorities declared an emergency at Sandeman Hospital and summoned all doctors and medical staff on an urgent basis. The area has been cordoned off, and security forces have launched an investigation into the attack. The police have yet to determine the exact cause of the blast, though initial reports suggest it was a targeted attack aimed at the police.
Balochistan has seen an uptick in terrorist attacks in recent months, with security forces increasingly becoming targets of such violence.
Read More: US reaffirms support for Pakistan’s fight against terrorism
President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the explosion, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives. “Such heinous acts, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, reflect the nefarious designs of terrorists,” said the president. He offered prayers for the elevation of the ranks of the deceased and extended his condolences to the victims’ families.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also strongly condemned the attack and called for an immediate investigation into the incident. “We will bring the culprits to justice,” said the prime minister. He offered his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and assured the nation that the government would provide the best medical facilities to those injured. “We will not allow the miscreants’ nefarious designs to succeed,” the premier added, vowing to continue the fight against terrorism until it is completely eradicated from the country.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in a statement on social media platform X, also expressed his condolences and condemned the explosion. “We equally share in the grief of the families of the deceased,” Naqvi said. “The forces of the enemy are targeting Balochistan, but we will thwart this heinous conspiracy meant to create instability.”
Rising Terror Attacks in Balochistan
The explosion in Quetta comes amid a surge in terrorist attacks across the country. Data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) revealed a 42% increase in militant attacks in January 2025 compared to the previous month, with at least 74 attacks recorded nationwide. These incidents resulted in 91 fatalities, including 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants. Another 117 people sustained injuries, including 53 security personnel and 54 civilians.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan were the hardest-hit regions, with KP experiencing 27 attacks, leading to 19 deaths. Balochistan continues to grapple with the escalating violence, with security forces frequently being targeted in such assaults.
Comments are closed.