27 Martyred, 75 Injured in Quetta Suicide Blast Targeting Passenger Train
Passenger train targeted in Chaman Phatak area; PM, CM Balochistan and Interior Minister strongly condemn attack
Quetta: A devastating suicide bomb blast targeting a passenger train rocked the densely populated Chaman Phatak area of Quetta on Sunday, leaving at least 27 people martyred and 75 others injured, according to rescue and security officials.
The powerful explosion occurred near a railway crossing in one of the city’s busiest areas, causing widespread destruction to nearby homes, shops, and civilian vehicles present at the site. Rescue teams and security forces rushed to the scene shortly after the attack and cordoned off the entire area.
Officials said that around 20 of the injured are in critical condition and are being treated at various hospitals in Quetta. Following the incident, the Health Department declared an emergency in hospitals across the city to ensure immediate medical assistance for the victims.
The banned militant organization Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the deadly attack.
Emergency Visit by Interior Minister
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Quetta on an emergency visit following the blast. A high-level security meeting was later held under his chairmanship, attended by Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti, Inspector General Police Balochistan Tahir Mehmood, and senior security officials.
During the meeting, IG Police Tahir Mehmood briefed participants on the preliminary findings of the investigation and the security situation following the explosion.
Strong Condemnation by Leadership
Prime Minister and provincial leadership strongly condemned the suicide attack and expressed grief over the loss of innocent lives.
Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti described the attack on unarmed civilians as an act of “extreme barbarism,” stating that enemies of peace and development in Pakistan and Balochistan would not be spared.
Speaking to the media alongside Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the Chief Minister said:
“The noose has tightened around terrorists and their facilitators. Such cowardly attacks cannot weaken the resolve of our people or security forces.”
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also vowed that those responsible for the attack would be tracked down and brought to justice.
Public Resolve Remains Strong
Leaders said the attack, carried out during the Eid holidays, was particularly tragic and condemnable. They added that the unity shown by the public and security institutions demonstrates that terrorism cannot divide the nation.
Security agencies have launched an investigation into the incident while search operations continue in different areas.
