A tragic bombing at Quetta railway station in Pakistan’s Balochistan province has resulted in the deaths of at least 24 individuals, with around 50 others injured. The explosion occurred as a morning train was preparing to depart for Peshawar, highlighting the ongoing violence plaguing the region.
Authorities suspect that the blast was orchestrated by a suicide bomber linked to the Balochistan Liberation Army, a militant group that has intensified its attacks amid calls for greater autonomy and control over local resources. Senior police official Muhammad Baloch reported that the bomb contained approximately 6-8 kilograms of explosives and affected both civilians and military personnel.
Eyewitness accounts reveal the chaos that ensued immediately following the explosion. One injured individual, Abdul Jabbar, recounted his experience of entering the station when the blast occurred, describing it as a scene of horror reminiscent of “judgment day.” Another bystander, Muhammad Sohail, noted the devastation around him as people lay on the ground pleading for assistance.
The city’s commissioner confirmed that among those killed were civilians and military personnel, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of such attacks.
Videos circulating on social media captured both the moment of the explosion and its aftermath, showcasing debris scattered across the station platform and crowds in distress.
The Balochistan province is Pakistan’s largest yet least developed area, rich in natural resources but plagued by exploitation and neglect. This ongoing struggle for autonomy has fueled insurgency movements within both Pakistan and Iran. The region’s complex dynamics are further complicated by its borders with Taliban-controlled Afghanistan and its proximity to Iran.
In response to this latest attack, local leaders condemned the violence. The chief minister of Balochistan labeled it a deplorable act, vowing that authorities would pursue those responsible “to their logical end.” Similarly, Pakistan’s National Assembly speaker characterized those behind the bombing as “enemies of humanity.”
As violence continues to escalate in Balochistan amidst demands for independence, locals remain caught in a cycle of conflict fueled by resource exploitation and a lack of development. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for sustained peace efforts in a region longing for stability and justice.
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