Railway station blast in southwest Pakistan kills at least 25
At least 25 people were killed, including several soldiers, when a blast ripped through a train station in restive southwestern Pakistan on Saturday in an apparent suicide attack claimed by a local separatist group.
Issued on: 09/11/2024 -
Security personnel inspect the blast site after an explosion at a railway station in Quetta, in Pakistan's Balochistan province, on November 9, 2024. © Banaras Khan, AFP
A bombing claimed by Pakistani separatists killed 25 people including 14 soldiers at a railway station in the southwestern Balochistan province, police said Saturday.
The blast hit as passengers waited on a platform at the main railway station in the provincial capital Quetta.
"Fourteen army personnel are among the 25 confirmed dead," said Muhammad Baloch, a senior local police official, raising an earlier toll of 22 provided by the local government.
An AFP journalist saw pools of blood and ripped backpacks at the scene, where a large metal sheet protecting passengers from the elements had been blown off.
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A bombing claimed by Pakistani separatists killed 25 people including 14 soldiers at a railway station in the southwestern Balochistan province, police said Saturday.
The blast hit as passengers waited on a platform at the main railway station in the provincial capital Quetta.
"Fourteen army personnel are among the 25 confirmed dead," said Muhammad Baloch, a senior local police official, raising an earlier toll of 22 provided by the local government.
An AFP journalist saw pools of blood and ripped backpacks at the scene, where a large metal sheet protecting passengers from the elements had been blown off.
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An AFP journalist saw pools of blood and ripped backpacks at the scene.
© Banaras Khan, AFP
A spokesperson for a local hospital said dozens of people wounded in the blast had been brought to the facility, along with multiple dead.
Despite frequent attacks in Balochistan the toll of Saturday's blast was particularly high for the southwestern province, which borders Afghanistan and Iran.
The train station explosion hit at around 8:45 am (0345 GMT) and was claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), one of the area's main separatist groups.
The attack "was carried out on a Pakistani army unit at Quetta railway station... after completing a course at the Infantry School," the BLA said in a statement.
The Associated Press of Pakistan, the official news agency, cited railway officials as saying the blast happened near the ticket booth when two trains were scheduled to depart.
A spokesperson for a local hospital said dozens of people wounded in the blast had been brought to the facility, along with multiple dead.
Despite frequent attacks in Balochistan the toll of Saturday's blast was particularly high for the southwestern province, which borders Afghanistan and Iran.
The train station explosion hit at around 8:45 am (0345 GMT) and was claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), one of the area's main separatist groups.
The attack "was carried out on a Pakistani army unit at Quetta railway station... after completing a course at the Infantry School," the BLA said in a statement.
The Associated Press of Pakistan, the official news agency, cited railway officials as saying the blast happened near the ticket booth when two trains were scheduled to depart.
Resource-rich, poor province
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack.
"The terrorists who have harmed innocent and unmarked civilians will pay a heavy price," he said in a statement from his office.
The BLA frequently claims deadly attacks against security forces or Pakistanis from other provinces, notably Punjabis.
At Quetta station, police said they were working to determine the cause of the blast.
Firefighters and rescuers work through abandoned luggage on the platform, guarded by heavily armed members of the security forces. © Banaras Khan, AFP
"When we reached here, initially it appeared that some explosive had perhaps been hidden or left in the luggage. But now we think it may be a suicide bomber," Baloch told journalists.
Firefighters, rescuers and passengers were working through abandoned luggage on the platform, guarded by heavily armed members of the security forces.
Militants have in the past targeted energy projects with foreign financing – most notably from China – accusing outsiders of exploiting the resource-rich region while excluding residents in the poorest part of Pakistan.
In August, the BLA claimed responsibility for coordinated attacks by dozens of assailants who killed at least 39 people, one of the highest tolls to hit the region.
(AFP)
"When we reached here, initially it appeared that some explosive had perhaps been hidden or left in the luggage. But now we think it may be a suicide bomber," Baloch told journalists.
Firefighters, rescuers and passengers were working through abandoned luggage on the platform, guarded by heavily armed members of the security forces.
Militants have in the past targeted energy projects with foreign financing – most notably from China – accusing outsiders of exploiting the resource-rich region while excluding residents in the poorest part of Pakistan.
In August, the BLA claimed responsibility for coordinated attacks by dozens of assailants who killed at least 39 people, one of the highest tolls to hit the region.
(AFP)
Death toll rises to 26 in Quetta Railway Station blast, 62 injured
Abdullah Zehri
According to a list of injured people shifted to Quetta Trauma Centre and Emergency Department — issued by Managing Director Dr Arbab Kamran Kasi and available with Dawn.com — 53 people aged between 20 and 50 years were wounded.
Six of them were stated to be in a serious condition whereas three had been shifted to an intensive care unit.
The banned militant group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the blast.
Pakistan Railways had previously announced the restoration of train services between Quetta and Peshawar from Oct 11, after a suspension of more than a month and a half.
Train services had been suspended across the country on August 26 after a key railway bridge between Kolpur and Mach was destroyed in a blast carried out by BLA as part of province-wide coordinated attacks.
Appeal for blood
Speaking to Geo News, Shafqaat said the blast occurred at approximately 8:25am, adding that the body of the suicide bomber had also been identified.
He appealed to the public to donate blood for the wounded, stressing there was a need for it.
The commissioner also urged the public not to head to the railway station, Quetta Trauma Centre or the Civil Hospital, noting that “in such incidents, there is a risk of twin attacks”.
“Right now, we have cordoned off the city and are conducting snap-checking. […] Gatherings have been banned,” Shafqaat said.
Asked if the blast specifically targeted someone, the commissioner said terrorist organisations “attacked soft targets on purpose out of frustration”.
Emergency imposed in hospitals
Balochistan Heath Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar was present at the Quetta Trauma Centre to oversee the treatment of the injured, a statement by his office said.
It added that an emergency had been imposed in the Civil Hospital and the Trauma Centre, with more doctors summoned on duty.
Earlier, Quetta Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Mohammad Baloch told reporters that “around 100 people” were present at the site, according to footage seen by him.
He added that at the time of the blast, a Jaffar Express train was reportedly ready to depart from the platform for Peshawar.
Police and security forces had reached the site of the incident, according to a statement by Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind. He said the Bomb Disposal Squad was collecting evidence from the site and a report had been sought on the incident.
‘Continuation of targeting innocent people’
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti condemned the incident, saying it was a “continuation of targeting innocent people”.
In a statement, CM Bugti said, “The terrorists’ target now are innocent people, labourers, children and women. Those targeting innocent people do not deserve mercy.”
According to the statement, the chief minister has ordered an investigation into the blast and contacted top officials in Balochistan.
CM Bugti further said: “Terrorists are not eligible to be called humans. They have fallen from humanity; they are worse than animals.”
Stating that “elements involved in various terrorist incidents” in the past have been traced, he vowed that the perpetrators behind the railway blast would be caught as well.
CM Bugti reiterated the government’s resolve to continue operations against terrorists and pursue them. “We will root out terrorism from Balochistan,” he asserted.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the blast, praying for the deceased and the speedy recovery of the injured.
He also sought an investigation report from the Balochistan government on the incident, the premier’s statement added.
“Terrorists who harm the lives and property of innocent people will have to pay a heavy price,” Radio Pakistan quoted PM Shehbaz as saying.
Acting President Yusuf Raza Gilani also condemned the incident, expressing his grief over the loss of precious lives, Radio Pakistan reported.
Gilani said terrorists were enemies of humanity who target innocent people.
Both Shehbaz and Gilani reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to eradicate the menace of terrorism.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in a telephonic conversation with CM Bugti, condemned the blast, expressing heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of the deceased.
In a post on X, the ministry said that Naqvi expressed complete solidarity with the families of the affectees.
The pair agreed to take joint and effective measures immediately against the anti-state activities in the province.
“Will go to the last extent to establish peace in Balochistan […] The federation will provide all possible support to the Balochistan government in this regard,” the interior minister said.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Linjar, while condemning the attack, assured the Balochistan government of “all possible support and cooperation”.
The police in Sindh were also ordered to remain on high alert in light of the terrorist attack, a statement from the Sindh interior minister’s office said.
Rise in terrorism
In 2023, Pakistan witnessed 1,524 violence-related fatalities and 1,463 injuries from 789 terror attacks and counter-terror operations. Overall fatalities, including those of outlaws, mark a record six-year high.
Terror attacks declined by 24 per cent in September compared to August, but they witnessed surges in August and July, according to monthly security reports.
On September 25, at least two policemen were among a dozen people injured by a bomb attack that targeted a police vehicle in Quetta.
Days later, terrorists armed with automatic weapons stormed an under-construction house in Panjgur, killing seven labourers hailing from Multan.
The next day, armed men attacked the camp of a private construction company in the Musakhel district, torching the machinery and vehicles there. No casualties were reported.
Last month, three security personnel were martyred and four others were injured in a roadside bomb blast in Balochistan’s Kalat area.
This is a developing story that is being updated as the situation evolves. Initial reports in the media can sometimes be inaccurate. We will strive to ensure timeliness and accuracy by relying on credible sources, such as concerned, qualified authorities and our staff reporters.
Additional input from AFP
Abdullah Zehri
Published November 9, 2024
DAWN
People comfort each other as they mourn the death of their relatives, who were killed, after a bomb blast at a railway station in Quetta on November 9. — Reuters
People walk amid the debris after a bomb blast at a railway station in Quetta on November 9. — Reuters
At least 26 people were killed and 62 injured after a suicide blast ripped through a Quetta Railway Station on Saturday, local authorities and hospital officials said.
The incident comes a week after a bomb blast near a girl’s school and a hospital in Balochistan’s Mastung district killed eight people, including five children.
Pakistan, particularly the Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, has seen a sharp uptick in terrorism-related incidents over the past year.
While speaking to Dawn.com, provincial health department spokesperson Wasim Baig said that the death toll rose to 26 after two people succumbed to their injuries while 62 others were injured in the explosion.
Quetta Division Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat said that the blast was a “suicide attack” primarily on law enforcement agencies, while civilians were also targeted.
Shafqaat added that gatherings have been banned in the area while bus stations were on high alert, adding that railways have been requested to close the station and suspend train services.
Speaking to Geo News, he said that besides civilians, “some law enforcement” personnel were also martyred.
According to Reuters, Balochistan Inspector General of Police (IG) Moazzam Jah Ansari said, “The target was army personnel from the Infantry School.”
While Baig did not confirm details about personnel to Dawn.com, AFP quoted him as saying: “Fourteen members of the army and 12 civilians were killed.”
Baig, according to AFP, said 46 members of the security forces and 14 civilians were wounded.
This photo shows the aftermath of a blast at Quetta Railway Station on November 9. — Photo via author
At least 26 people were killed and 62 injured after a suicide blast ripped through a Quetta Railway Station on Saturday, local authorities and hospital officials said.
The incident comes a week after a bomb blast near a girl’s school and a hospital in Balochistan’s Mastung district killed eight people, including five children.
Pakistan, particularly the Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, has seen a sharp uptick in terrorism-related incidents over the past year.
While speaking to Dawn.com, provincial health department spokesperson Wasim Baig said that the death toll rose to 26 after two people succumbed to their injuries while 62 others were injured in the explosion.
Quetta Division Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat said that the blast was a “suicide attack” primarily on law enforcement agencies, while civilians were also targeted.
Shafqaat added that gatherings have been banned in the area while bus stations were on high alert, adding that railways have been requested to close the station and suspend train services.
Speaking to Geo News, he said that besides civilians, “some law enforcement” personnel were also martyred.
According to Reuters, Balochistan Inspector General of Police (IG) Moazzam Jah Ansari said, “The target was army personnel from the Infantry School.”
While Baig did not confirm details about personnel to Dawn.com, AFP quoted him as saying: “Fourteen members of the army and 12 civilians were killed.”
Baig, according to AFP, said 46 members of the security forces and 14 civilians were wounded.
This photo shows the aftermath of a blast at Quetta Railway Station on November 9. — Photo via authorAccording to a list of injured people shifted to Quetta Trauma Centre and Emergency Department — issued by Managing Director Dr Arbab Kamran Kasi and available with Dawn.com — 53 people aged between 20 and 50 years were wounded.
Six of them were stated to be in a serious condition whereas three had been shifted to an intensive care unit.
The banned militant group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the blast.
Pakistan Railways had previously announced the restoration of train services between Quetta and Peshawar from Oct 11, after a suspension of more than a month and a half.
Train services had been suspended across the country on August 26 after a key railway bridge between Kolpur and Mach was destroyed in a blast carried out by BLA as part of province-wide coordinated attacks.
Appeal for blood
Speaking to Geo News, Shafqaat said the blast occurred at approximately 8:25am, adding that the body of the suicide bomber had also been identified.
He appealed to the public to donate blood for the wounded, stressing there was a need for it.
The commissioner also urged the public not to head to the railway station, Quetta Trauma Centre or the Civil Hospital, noting that “in such incidents, there is a risk of twin attacks”.
“Right now, we have cordoned off the city and are conducting snap-checking. […] Gatherings have been banned,” Shafqaat said.
Asked if the blast specifically targeted someone, the commissioner said terrorist organisations “attacked soft targets on purpose out of frustration”.
Emergency imposed in hospitals
Balochistan Heath Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar was present at the Quetta Trauma Centre to oversee the treatment of the injured, a statement by his office said.
It added that an emergency had been imposed in the Civil Hospital and the Trauma Centre, with more doctors summoned on duty.
Earlier, Quetta Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Mohammad Baloch told reporters that “around 100 people” were present at the site, according to footage seen by him.
He added that at the time of the blast, a Jaffar Express train was reportedly ready to depart from the platform for Peshawar.
Police and security forces had reached the site of the incident, according to a statement by Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind. He said the Bomb Disposal Squad was collecting evidence from the site and a report had been sought on the incident.
‘Continuation of targeting innocent people’
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti condemned the incident, saying it was a “continuation of targeting innocent people”.
In a statement, CM Bugti said, “The terrorists’ target now are innocent people, labourers, children and women. Those targeting innocent people do not deserve mercy.”
According to the statement, the chief minister has ordered an investigation into the blast and contacted top officials in Balochistan.
CM Bugti further said: “Terrorists are not eligible to be called humans. They have fallen from humanity; they are worse than animals.”
Stating that “elements involved in various terrorist incidents” in the past have been traced, he vowed that the perpetrators behind the railway blast would be caught as well.
CM Bugti reiterated the government’s resolve to continue operations against terrorists and pursue them. “We will root out terrorism from Balochistan,” he asserted.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the blast, praying for the deceased and the speedy recovery of the injured.
He also sought an investigation report from the Balochistan government on the incident, the premier’s statement added.
“Terrorists who harm the lives and property of innocent people will have to pay a heavy price,” Radio Pakistan quoted PM Shehbaz as saying.
Acting President Yusuf Raza Gilani also condemned the incident, expressing his grief over the loss of precious lives, Radio Pakistan reported.
Gilani said terrorists were enemies of humanity who target innocent people.
Both Shehbaz and Gilani reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to eradicate the menace of terrorism.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in a telephonic conversation with CM Bugti, condemned the blast, expressing heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of the deceased.
In a post on X, the ministry said that Naqvi expressed complete solidarity with the families of the affectees.
The pair agreed to take joint and effective measures immediately against the anti-state activities in the province.
“Will go to the last extent to establish peace in Balochistan […] The federation will provide all possible support to the Balochistan government in this regard,” the interior minister said.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Linjar, while condemning the attack, assured the Balochistan government of “all possible support and cooperation”.
The police in Sindh were also ordered to remain on high alert in light of the terrorist attack, a statement from the Sindh interior minister’s office said.
Rise in terrorism
In 2023, Pakistan witnessed 1,524 violence-related fatalities and 1,463 injuries from 789 terror attacks and counter-terror operations. Overall fatalities, including those of outlaws, mark a record six-year high.
Terror attacks declined by 24 per cent in September compared to August, but they witnessed surges in August and July, according to monthly security reports.
On September 25, at least two policemen were among a dozen people injured by a bomb attack that targeted a police vehicle in Quetta.
Days later, terrorists armed with automatic weapons stormed an under-construction house in Panjgur, killing seven labourers hailing from Multan.
The next day, armed men attacked the camp of a private construction company in the Musakhel district, torching the machinery and vehicles there. No casualties were reported.
Last month, three security personnel were martyred and four others were injured in a roadside bomb blast in Balochistan’s Kalat area.
This is a developing story that is being updated as the situation evolves. Initial reports in the media can sometimes be inaccurate. We will strive to ensure timeliness and accuracy by relying on credible sources, such as concerned, qualified authorities and our staff reporters.
Additional input from AFP
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