CRIME

Two Policemen Martyred in Kuchlak Bomb Blast Near Quetta

Two policemen martyred in a bomb blast in Kuchlak near Quetta, with another injured. Balochistan CM and Interior Minister condemn the attack and pay tribute to the brave officers.
2024-09-14
Two Policemen Martyred in Kuchlak Bomb Blast Near Quetta

Two police officers were martyred and another was injured in a bomb blast targeting a police vehicle in Kuchlak town near Quetta. The attack, which authorities suspect was premeditated, took place as the police vehicle approached the site where the explosives had been planted, resulting in a powerful detonation.

 

Quetta’s Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Azhar Rashid confirmed the casualties while speaking to the media. "The explosives were planted beforehand and exploded as soon as the police vehicle arrived," he said. According to DSP Rashid, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Zainuddin and gunman Mohammad Tahir embraced martyrdom in the attack, while the driver sustained injuries.

 

The injured driver was immediately moved to Mufti Mehmood Memorial Hospital for medical treatment. Following initial care, he was transferred to a trauma center in Quetta for further treatment, DSP Rashid added.

 

Condemnation from Officials

The bombing sparked widespread condemnation from political and law enforcement leaders, with Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti paying tribute to the martyred officers. In a statement, Bugti expressed his condolences to the families of the fallen and emphasized that the sacrifices made by the police and security forces in Balochistan in the fight against terrorism would not be forgotten.

 

“The eternal sacrifices of Balochistan Police, levies, and security forces against terrorism cannot be neglected,” Bugti said, stressing the government's resolve to eliminate terrorists and their facilitators. “The entire country is standing alongside the brave forces in the war against terrorism,” he added.

 

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also offered his condolences and praised the bravery of the two martyred officers. In a statement from his office, Naqvi prayed for the swift recovery of the injured driver and reiterated the government's commitment to defeating terrorism. "Balochistan Police has made eternal sacrifices in the war against terrorism," Naqvi stated. He reaffirmed that the country’s determination to fight terrorism remained unshaken, saying, “This war is the entire country’s war and, with the support of the people, will continue until the end of the last terrorist and facilitator.”

 

Rising Terrorism Threat in Balochistan

This bombing adds to the growing concern over the resurgence of terrorist activities across Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan. According to data from the Islamabad-based think tank, Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), the country saw a significant increase in terrorist attacks in August 2024. A total of 59 terrorist attacks were recorded nationwide in August, up from 38 in the previous month. Balochistan has been a focal point for many of these incidents.

 

The most significant flare-up occurred on August 25, when militants affiliated with the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) launched a series of coordinated attacks across the province. These attacks targeted both security personnel and civilians, leaving at least 50 people dead, including 14 security personnel. The militants attacked police stations, destroyed railway tracks, and torched almost three dozen vehicles. In response, security forces neutralized 21 militants in a series of operations.

 

One of the deadliest incidents occurred in Musakhail, where 23 laborers from Punjab were brutally murdered after being offloaded from trucks and vans and subjected to identity checks. The massacre drew widespread condemnation and underscored the brutality of the ongoing insurgency in the region.

 

Military’s Commitment to the Fight

Following the surge in violence, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, vowed to continue the fight against terrorism until the elimination of all terrorist elements in the country. “To fight for the cause of Pakistan, the security forces, along with law enforcement agencies, and the brave people of Pakistan — especially the brave people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan — have made unprecedented sacrifices,” General Munir said in a statement.

 

Conclusion

As the nation mourns the loss of the two policemen who gave their lives in the line of duty, the resolve to counter terrorism remains strong. Balochistan continues to face heightened threats from extremist groups, but the government and security forces have reiterated their commitment to ending the violence and bringing peace to the region. The sacrifices of the brave men and women in uniform serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle to rid the country of terrorism and protect its people.