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Suicide Blast in Quetta Railway Station Claims 26 Lives, Injures 62
At least 26 dead, 62 injured after a suicide attack at Quetta Railway Station. Authorities appeal for blood donations as the city enforces heightened security.
ND
by News Desk
2024-11-09
Suicide Blast in Quetta Railway Station Claims 26 Lives, Injures 62

A suicide blast tore through Quetta Railway Station on Saturday morning, killing at least 26 people and injuring 62, according to local authorities and hospital officials. The explosion targeted law enforcement personnel, with civilians also among the casualties, underscoring a wave of rising terrorist attacks in Pakistan, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

 

The attack took place around 8:25 a.m., as a Jaffar Express train prepared to depart for Peshawar. Commissioner Quetta Hamza Shafqaat described it as a “suicide attack,” adding that the bodies of the suspected bomber had been found. Emergency alerts were issued, with gatherings banned and bus stations on high alert. Rail services were temporarily suspended, and a citywide security sweep is underway.

 

Balochistan Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar, who visited the Quetta Trauma Centre, imposed an emergency in all city hospitals, calling for more medical staff. Hospital spokesperson Wasim Baig reported that two critically injured victims succumbed, raising the death toll, while 46 security personnel and 14 civilians remain hospitalized.

 

The banned militant group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack. According to Inspector General of Police Moazzam Jah Ansari, the primary target was military personnel stationed nearby. This incident follows a recent blast in Mastung, where eight people, including children, lost their lives.

 

Provincial officials, including Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, condemned the incident, calling it a “continuation of targeting innocent people.” He emphasized the government’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and holding perpetrators accountable. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Acting President Yusuf Raza Gilani echoed these sentiments, vowing strict actions against those responsible.

 

Authorities have appealed for public support, requesting blood donations and urging civilians to avoid crowded areas amid concerns of potential secondary attacks. Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Linjar expressed solidarity with Balochistan, raising alert levels across Sindh to prevent further incidents.

 

This attack marks a continuation of the surge in terrorism that has claimed over 1,500 lives across Pakistan in 2023 alone. Security forces remain vigilant as both government officials and citizens call for robust measures to restore peace.
Tagged:

AntiTerrorism

PakistanSecurity

QuettaBlast

PrayForBalochistan
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