QUETTA:
The additional chief secretary (home) Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat on Wednesday requested the public unit following the tragic explosion of suicide near the Shahwani stadium, urging citizens to avoid panic, refrain from guilt games and maintain the long message of peace of Baluchistan.
Going to an emergency press conference at the Dig Office, Shafqaat confirmed that the suicide attack in Sariab Road charged 15 lives and wounded another 32.
He said that the main minister has also announced a compensation package of RS1.5 million for the families of the deceased, RS0.5 million for each injured individual and RS200,000 support for minor victims of the incident of the Shahwani stadium.
The explosion occurred approximately 500 meters from the exit point of a public rally celebrated to commemorate the anniversary of the death of Sardar Attaullah Mengal. He said that the demonstration had officially completed hours before, with the explosion at 9:45 pm in a poorly illuminated area near a cemetery.
Despite a high security alert in Quetta, Hamza said the attacker could not violate the main meeting due to strict security measures, including the deployment of 120 police personnel. He added that this forced the assailant to detonate the device of the crowd.
The remains of the bomber, which is believed to be less than 30 years old, recovered, and the authorities estimate that about eight kilograms of explosives were used. Hamza Shafqaat revealed that the district administration had issued a non -objection certificate (NOC) for the concentration under pressure of the organizers, with the condition that the event should conclude at 3:00 pm.
He pointed out that the Administration had previously denied NOC requests due to credible security threats. He praised the courage of the law personnel, highlighting the sacrifice of a police officer who was the only support of his family and embraced martyrdom while protected others.
SSP Muhammad Baloch and DIG CRIMES BRANCH operations, Farhan Zahid were also present in the information.
