Pakistan: Deadly Blast at Quetta Railway Station Kills 24, Injures Over 40 in Balochistan

Pakistan: Deadly Blast at Quetta Railway Station Kills 24, Injures Over 40 in Balochistan

At least 24 people were killed and nearly 40 injured in Saturday’s blast at the Quetta Railway Station in Pakistan’s Balochistan region. The explosion happened as people were getting ready to board a train that was headed toward Peshawar, according to Reuters. Although an investigation is still on to prove it, Quetta’s Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations, Muhammad Baloch, stated that the incident seemed to be a suicide blast.

SSP Baloch Comments on the Incident

According to SSP Baloch, the footage that Dawn News examined showed that about 100 individuals were there when the explosion happened. He said that the device went off while people were waiting for a train to Rawalpindi, which is in Pakistan’s garrison city, and that security personnel quickly arrived on the site to help the injured and maintain order.

Balochistan Government’s Response

The government of Balochistan spokesperson, Shahid Rind, said that local hospitals have declared an emergency and that medical assistance is being given to the injured, some of whom are classified in serious condition. Part of the ongoing inquiry involves the deployment of the Bomb Disposal Squad to inspect the location and gather evidence.

Also Read: IAF MiG-29 Fighter Jet Crashes Near Agra During Training Mission

Background on Balochistan’s Security Concerns

Balochistan, which is resource-rich yet destitute, has long been a militant hotspot. Numerous attacks have been carried out by separatist organizations, such as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which primarily targets infrastructure projects and security forces that receive foreign support. Reflecting the region’s continued instability and conflict with separatist organizations, the BLA claimed responsibility for a massive attack in August that left at least 39 people dead.