QUETA:
A devastating explosion on Saturday in a suburban area of Turbat left at least four people dead and more than 30, including a senior superintendent of police (SSP), injured. The explosion, which occurred in a busy area, sparked widespread concern and condemnation.
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed that SSP Zohaib Mohsin suffered minor injuries in the blast and was treated at a nearby hospital. The other injured are receiving medical attention as authorities work to determine the cause of the explosion.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the explosion.
In a statement, the president expressed his deep pain and sadness over the loss of precious lives in the terrorist attack. He expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed that they would be granted patience.
The president prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. He said operations would continue until the threat of terrorism is completely eliminated.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif prayed that Allah Almighty elevate the ranks of the martyrs of the incident and expressed his condolences to their families. The prime minister also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Sharif said the terrorists would not succeed in their nefarious plans and added that the government and security forces were taking action against the terrorists.
He said the government was determined to eradicate terrorism from the country.
Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemned the attack and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and injuries sustained. “Those responsible for attacking innocent people do not deserve to be called human beings,” he said.
He further vowed that the perpetrators would not be spared, stating: “The full weight of the law will fall on those who carried out this heinous act.”
The explosion involved a bus, which was reportedly set on fire by the explosion, and images circulating on social media showing the vehicle on fire and a burnt motorcycle nearby.
After the explosion, police and Frontier Corps personnel quickly arrived at the scene, cordoned off the area and launched an investigation. However, no arrests have been made so far.
Besides Chief Minister Bugti, other political leaders of the province also condemned the attack. Mir Muhammad Sadiq Umrani, PPP parliamentary leader in the Balochistan Assembly, expressed concern over the violence and called for stricter security measures.
“We support the victims and their families at this difficult time,” he said.
Balochistan Planning Minister Noor Muhammad Dummar also condemned the attack and emphasized the need for unity in the fight against such terrorism. “These attacks will not break our resolve; we will continue to work for peace and stability in Balochistan,” he said.
The banned group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) later claimed responsibility for the explosion.
