Quetta, Pakistan — A devastating explosion at Quetta Railway Station early Saturday claimed the lives of at least 24 people and injured around 60 others, some critically, as reported by local officials. The blast, which ripped through the crowded station as passengers awaited incoming trains, is the deadliest attack the city has seen in recent times.
The explosion occurred near a ticket booth even as the Jaffer Express, en route to Peshawar, along with another train, was due to arrive. A significant number of passengers present on the platform were affected by this incident. Authorities in Quetta are bracing for the possibility of an increased death toll as the true extent of the catastrophe unfolds.
In response to the tragic event, an emergency was declared, mobilizing rescue operations at the explosion site. Victims with varying degrees of injuries were rushed to Quetta’s Civil Hospital and nearby trauma centers for urgent care.
The insurgent group known as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the attack through a statement on social media. They alleged that the target was a Pakistani Army unit stationed on the Jaffer Express. The BLA has been at odds with the central government for years, seeking greater autonomy or independence for Balochistan, prompting Pakistan to ban the organization under its anti-terrorism laws in 2009.
Mohammad Baloch, Quetta’s Senior Superintendent of Police Operations, detailed that the authorities are investigating the legitimacy of BLA’s claims. Initial assessments led by him suggest a suicide bombing tactic may have been implemented, although this has yet to be definitively confirmed. Bomb disposal units are vigorously working to ascertain the precise nature of the explosion.
Visuals shared on social media depicted a chaotic scene with debris and luggage scattered across the platform, including items that resemble military backpacks.
Balochistan holds the title of Pakistan’s largest yet least populated province, endowed with valuable mining resources and a significant ethnic Baloch minority. The BLA has leveraged the region’s economic importance and its strategic position in past conflicts, often targeting security forces, including police and military personnel. The presence of foreign nationals, particularly Chinese citizens involved in ambitious infrastructure projects linked to Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative, has also increased tensions and attracted the unwanted attention of both separatist and Islamist militant factions.
As the community reels from the impact of this incident, security measures around crucial infrastructural sites are expected to be reviewed and potentially strengthened to prevent such tragedies in the future. The attack not only underscores the volatile security situation in Balochistan but also highlights the ongoing struggles faced by the province amid attempts to balance economic development with political stability and peace.