Quetta, Pakistan — A devastating bomb attack at a bustling railway station in Quetta, the capital of Pakistan’s Balochistan province, claimed the lives of at least 24 individuals and injured around 50 others, authorities reported. The explosion occurred as passengers were boarding a popular morning train bound for Peshawar, creating chaos and destruction at one of the busiest transport hubs in southwestern Pakistan.
The Balochistan Liberation Army, a separatist militant group, has taken responsibility for the attack, which police believe was executed by a suicide bomber carrying approximately 6-8 kilograms of explosives. This recent attack underscores a heightened period of unrest in the province, where insurgent groups frequently demand greater autonomy and control over the region’s abundant natural resources.
Officials reported that both civilian and military personnel were among the casualties. The city’s commissioner confirmed the number of fatalities and injuries in the aftermath of the incident, describing the scene at the station as catastrophic, with emergency services rushing to aid the wounded and manage the chaos.
Eyewitness accounts brought the horror of the situation to light. Abdul Jabbar, one of the injured, recounted the terrifying moment of the blast. He had just purchased a ticket and was entering the station when the explosion occurred, describing the event as apocalyptic. Another witness, Muhammad Sohail, who arrived shortly after the explosion to catch a train, described a nightmarish scene with injured people lying on the ground, calling for help amidst the wreckage.
The attack specifically targeted a military unit that had just completed a training course in Quetta, according to a statement by the Balochistan Liberation Army. This brazen declaration highlights the ongoing conflict in Balochistan, where separatist groups have waged a long-standing fight against state security forces over issues of governance and the distribution of resources.
The provincial chief minister vehemently condemned the attack, stating that the perpetrators were “worse than animals.” He assured the public that the authorities were committed to capturing those responsible and promised stringent action against them. Similarly, the Speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, expressed his condemnation, labeling the attackers as “enemies of humanity.”
Balochistan is not only Pakistan’s largest province by area but also its most resource-rich region, yet it remains underdeveloped compared to other parts of the country. The ongoing conflict in the area is exacerbated by its sensitive geographical location, bordering Iran and Taliban-controlled areas of Afghanistan, and its extensive coastline along the Arabian Sea.
With the province being a critical geopolitical and economic zone due to its natural resources and strategic location, the cycle of violence poses significant challenges not only to local governance but also to regional stability. The recurring attacks highlight the complex interplay of local insurgent activities and broader national security concerns, drawing attention to the pressing need for effective conflict resolution strategies. The impact of such violence resonates beyond immediate casualties, affecting the socio-economic fabric of the region and leaving a lasting imprint on the local communities.