The number of deaths for a suicide bombing near a public demonstration of the National Party of Baluchistan-Mengal (BNP-M) in Quetta has increased to 15, since the authorities blamed the party for challenging the repeated warnings of the administration to postpone the collection due to credible intelligence threats.
The explosion occurred on Tuesday night in the parking lot of the Shahwani stadium, located along Sariab Road, where hundreds of BNP-M supporters had gathered to commemorate the anniversary of the death of the veteran leader of Baloch Sardar Attaullah Mengal. Dozens suffered wounds in the attack, which involved approximately eight kilograms (17.5 pounds) of explosives.
When heading to a press conference at the DIG office on Wednesday, the additional main secretary (home) Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat confirmed that 15 people were killed and another 32 wounds in the incident.
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He said that the explosion took place around 9:45 pm in a poorly illuminated area, approximately 500 meters from the rally output point.
He praised the efforts of the law personnel, pointing out that the strict security agreements, particularly the deployment of 120 police officers, prevented the suicide bomber from reaching the main crowd. “Security arrangements abstained the attacker to detonate the device at the main meeting,” he said.
Shafqaat added that the remains of the bomber, which are believed to be under 30, were found at the explosion site.
The additional main secretary revealed that the district administration initially had not denied the objection certificate (NOC) for the event due to credible security threats. However, he said that the permission was later granted under the pressure of the organizers, with a strict condition that the demonstration concludes at 3 pm
“BNP-M leaders were repeatedly advised to postpone the rally and were clearly informed of threats,” said Shafqaat. “They were also told to strictly adhere to Noc, which they could not continue.”
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After the attack, section 144 has been applied through Baluchistan until September 15, prohibiting meetings and public processions, especially after sunset during Rabi ‘Ul-Awwal, to guarantee public safety. A maximum alert of the entire province remains in place.
Quetta police have registered a case at the Police Station of the Terrorism Department (CTD). The FIR includes positions of murder, attempted murder, terrorism, use of explosives and other serious crimes.
The provincial government has announced compensation of RS1.5 million each for the families of the dead and RS500,000 for each injured person. A high -level research team has also been formed to investigate the incident and identify those responsible.
Meanwhile, the Islamic State Group (IS) has attributed the responsibility of the bombing through its official propaganda departure.
This marks the second attempt reported in the life of the BNP-M head, Sardar Akhtar Mengal. A few months ago an earlier attempt was made in the Lak Pass area of the Mastung district, where Mengal led a seated for the liberation of Baloch’s political prisoners, particularly members of the Baloch Yekjehti committee.
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“We will not give up due to such cowardly attacks,” Mengal told the party workers on Wednesday, promising to continue their political struggle.
The BNP-M has promised to move forward with its movement for the political and democratic rights of the Baloch people. Political parties, including the Awami party of Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami (PKMAP), and the National Party condemned the attack and announced the three -day duel.
