A rally led by Member of the Balochistan Assembly and senior Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Ali Madad Jattak came under attack on Wednesday near the University of Balochistan in Quetta, leaving one person dead and at least 10 others injured, according to police sources.

Unidentified assailants hurled a hand grenade and opened fire on the rally as it passed through Munir Mengal Road near Sariab, police said. The grenade explosion caused injuries to several people, including rickshaw passengers. One of the wounded, identified as Mehboob Ali, later succumbed to his injuries at Civil Hospital’s trauma centre.

Ali Madad Jattak remained unharmed in the attack, which caused partial damage to a vehicle and a rickshaw. The injured were swiftly shifted to Civil Hospital and Bolan Medical Complex for treatment.

Security forces and police reached the site immediately, cordoned off the area, and began collecting forensic evidence. Investigations are being conducted jointly by Sariab police and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), who are working to determine the perpetrators behind the assault.

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Balochistan government condemns violent assault

The Balochistan government has strongly condemned the recent attack on the rally led by senior politician Ali Madad Jattak, terming the incident a cowardly act and a direct assault on democratic institutions.

Spokesperson of Balochistan government Shahid Rind, in a statement on Wednesday, expressed grave concern over the incident and confirmed that a detailed report has been sought from the concerned authorities. “This attack is not only an act of cowardice but also a strike against the foundations of our democratic system,” Rind said.

He further emphasized that elected representatives are the voice of the people, and any aggression against them is equivalent to undermining democracy itself. “Such actions cannot and will not be tolerated,” he added.

The spokesperson assured the public that the perpetrators of the attack will be brought to justice. “Those behind this heinous act will be dealt with sternly and will face the full force of the law,” he declared.

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Highlighting the importance of law and order, Rind reiterated the government’s commitment to combating all elements involved in disturbing peace in the province. “Suppressing those working against peace and stability is inevitable and a top priority,” he noted.

Rind also affirmed that the government is utilising all available resources to ensure the safety of both the general public and elected officials. “These kinds of acts cannot weaken our resolve. Our determination to uphold peace and protect our representatives remains stronger than ever,” he concluded.

A bomb blast exploded near a rally organised by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) on Sariab Road in Quetta, wounding at least six people, according to police sources. The rally was en route to take part in the “Jashn-e-Fateh” celebrations.

Authorities have confirmed that a Member of the Balochistan Assembly and senior PPP leader Ali Madad Jattak, who was part of the rally, remained unharmed in the attack.

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Security forces have cordoned off the area and initiated a thorough investigation. Preliminary findings suggest the attack was aimed at disrupting the rally and creating unrest in the provincial capital.