Tragedy struck the city of Quetta in southwestern Pakistan on Friday morning when a powerful explosion rocked a train station, resulting in at least 21 fatalities and leaving 30 others injured. The incident occurred at around 9 a.m. on a platform at the station, as confirmed by Senior Superintendent Muhammad Baloch.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group known to be active in the region, has claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement. Senior Superintendent Baloch suggested that the explosion may have been a suicide attack, given the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to reports, the blast took place while a significant number of passengers were present on the platform, further exacerbating the impact of the explosion. Security forces swiftly cordoned off the area, initiating investigations into the tragic event. Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has ordered an inquiry to shed light on the circumstances leading to the attack.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned the heinous act of violence, expressing solidarity with the victims and their families during this difficult time. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced in Balochistan, where a longstanding insurgency has persisted for decades.
The insurgency in Balochistan has garnered increased attention in recent years, particularly following the leasing of the Gwadar port to China as part of Beijing's ambitious 'Belt and Road' infrastructure initiative in Pakistan. The BLA has been linked to several deadly attacks in the country this year, including a recent assault in October targeting a convoy of Chinese engineers and investors in Karachi, resulting in the tragic deaths of two Chinese citizens.
