A devastating vehicle-borne suicide bombing rocked a shuttle train near Chaman Phatak in Quetta on Sunday morning, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 14 individuals and injuring 20 others. The Balochistan government has condemned the attack as a “cowardly act of terrorism” aimed at undermining peace and stability in the province.
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The provincial government confirmed that the attack, which occurred shortly after 8 am, claimed the lives of three Frontier Corps personnel, with the majority of victims being civilians, including pedestrians, passengers, bystanders, and residents from adjacent houses. A heartbreaking loss reported was an entire family of four – father, mother, son, and daughter – who perished in the incident.
Emergency response measures were immediately activated following the blast. An emergency has been declared in all major government hospitals in Quetta, with doctors, paramedical staff, and medical personnel called in on an urgent basis to provide comprehensive medical assistance to the injured. A central control room has been established at the Quetta deputy commissioner’s office, and a dedicated monitoring and coordination cell has been activated at the Home Department to ensure effective relief operations.
Initial reports from Pakistan Railways indicate that the explosion derailed three coaches, including the locomotive, and overturned two coaches. The blast was heard across various distant areas of the city and caused significant damage to nearby buildings. A fire that erupted in nearby cars was brought under control by multiple fire brigade vehicles. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, screaming, and crying, with individuals carrying blood-soaked victims from the wreckage.
Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti is personally monitoring the situation. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also visited Quetta, where he jointly chaired a meeting with CM Bugti. During the meeting, the Balochistan police chief presented an initial report on the blast. Both officials strongly condemned the attack, extended condolences to the victims’ families, and vowed to punish the perpetrators. Naqvi emphasized the federal government’s solidarity with Balochistan, while Bugti asserted that “there will be no safe haven left for terrorists in Balochistan.”
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have also strongly condemned the attack, highlighting that such acts are attempts to destabilize the country and weaken its resolve against terrorism. They affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to defeating terrorists and their patrons. Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi directed an immediate report on the incident and stressed that railway operations would continue uninterrupted. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar offered condolences and praised the efforts of first responders.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed grave alarm over the deteriorating security situation in Balochistan, citing a dangerous erosion of the state’s writ. The HRCP highlighted increased vulnerability of civilians, workers, and law enforcement personnel to violence and abduction, and called on the state to ensure civilian protection and accountability for rights abuses.
This act of terrorism is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the region. The government reiterates its unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.
