QUETTA: A devastating explosion near a railway track in Quetta claimed the lives of at least 14 people and left numerous others wounded on Sunday, according to the Balochistan government. The attack, which occurred close to Chaman Phatak, has been described as a desperate act targeting unarmed civilians.
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed the casualties, stating that three Frontier Corps (FC) personnel were among the martyrs. Several women and children were also caught in the blast and have been transported to local medical facilities for urgent treatment.
Hospitals on Emergency Footing
In the immediate aftermath of the explosion, authorities declared an emergency across all government hospitals in Quetta. Medical staff, including doctors and paramedics, were urgently summoned to manage the influx of patients. Security forces swiftly cordoned off the area to facilitate rescue operations and begin gathering crucial evidence.
“Terrorists targeted unarmed civilians in the attack,” Rind said in a statement, adding that “assaults on public places are a sign of desperation by militant elements.” He confirmed that investigations are currently underway.
Transport Disrupted as Precaution
The blast caused significant disruption to rail services. Railway authorities confirmed that the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express was halted at Quetta Railway Station a safety precaution. Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi reported that the explosion resulted in the derailment of the train’s engine and three coaches, and he has ordered an immediate incident report.
Babar Yousafzai, spokesperson for the home minister, stated that all relevant institutions have been placed on high alert. He urged the public to avoid the blast site to ensure the safety of ongoing rescue and investigative work.
National Leadership Condemns Attack
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed this resolve. “Such cowardly acts of terrorism cannot weaken the resolve of the people of Pakistan. We remain steadfast in our determination to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” he said. The premier offered his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and for the swift recovery of the injured.
High-Level Security Review
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Quetta shortly after the incident to co-chair a high-level security meeting with Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti. The session included a detailed briefing from the provincial police chief on the initial findings of blast investigation.
Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, while condemning the attack, alleged the involvement of elements based in India and Afghanistan in sponsoring terrorism, vowing that such networks would never succeed in their designs.
