Quetta Blast Death Toll Rises to 15

The number of fatalities resulting from the suicide bombing at a Balochistan National Party (BNP) gathering on Sariab Road in Quetta has tragically increased to 15, according to Balochistan Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar.

Minister Kakar also provided updates on the injured, stating that of the 38 individuals wounded in the explosion, eight remain under medical care at the trauma center. An investigative committee has been established to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“Due to stringent security measures, the suicide bomber was unable to reach the intended location of the rally,” the minister noted.

The explosion occurred the previous day in a bustling area near Quetta’s Shahwani Stadium, leaving several individuals critically injured.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has instructed authorities to facilitate the transfer of injured individuals to Karachi if necessary. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have both voiced strong condemnation of the terror attack targeting the BNP political event.

President Zardari expressed his sympathy and support to the grieving families, directing relevant agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident and ensure that the responsible parties are brought to justice. He also offered prayers for the swift recovery of the injured and instructed officials to provide them with the best possible medical care.

According to a statement released by the PM’s Office, PM Shehbaz strongly condemned the attack, conveying his profound sorrow and distress over the loss of life.

The Prime Minister described the attack on the political rally as “a clear indication of the terrorists’ evil intentions to sow disorder in Balochistan.” He declared that “terrorists are adversaries of peace and progress in Balochistan.”

“The battle against terrorism will persist until this menace is completely eradicated,” the premier affirmed, adding that attacks targeting innocent and unarmed citizens are “cowardly and unacceptable.”

A representative from the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) reported that a case has been filed against unidentified individuals concerning the suicide attack, which includes charges of murder, attempted murder, and violations of anti-terrorism laws.

“The remains of the suicide bomber have been secured and will undergo forensic examination,” the spokesperson confirmed.

This recent act of terror follows a rise in attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), a think tank based in Islamabad, reported that Pakistan experienced 78 terrorist attacks in June, resulting in at least 100 fatalities.

Among the deceased were 53 security personnel, 39 civilians, six militants, and two members of local peace committees.

The attacks also resulted in injuries to 189 individuals, including 126 members of the security forces and 63 civilians.

Overall, the violence and related operations led to 175 deaths in June, including 55 security personnel, 77 militants, 41 civilians, and two peace committee members.