At least 13 people, including a police officer, were killed and more than 35 others injured in a suicide blast near Shahwani Stadium on Sariab Road, Quetta, late Tuesday night.
According to police, the explosion occurred shortly after a political gathering of the Balochistan National Party (BNP) had concluded. BNP chief Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal, Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Awami National Party provincial president Asghar Khan Achakzai, and National Party leader Kabir Muhammad Shahi were leaving the venue when the bomber detonated explosives near a convoy of vehicles close to a graveyard.
The blast left Special Branch officer Muhammad Hanif and 12 political workers dead on the spot. Former MPA Ahmad Nawaz was among more than 35 people critically injured. The explosion also damaged over a dozen vehicles and motorcycles, while senior political leaders escaped unhurt.
According to police, the suicide attacker detonated explosives near parked vehicles outside the stadium. The explosion caused severe damage to several cars and left scores injured.
Balochistan National Party (BNP) sources said the blast occurred as BNP chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal was exiting the stadium. Mengal narrowly escaped without injuries.
Rescue teams shifted the injured to Civil Hospital and Bolan Medical Complex, where several remain in critical condition.
Law enforcement agencies cordoned off the site, while investigators confirmed that body parts of the suspected bomber had been collected for forensic analysis.
The Balochistan Home Department has ordered a high-level probe into the bombing. Security forces are gathering evidence and conducting search operations in the surrounding areas.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemned the blast, calling it a “cowardly act by enemies of humanity.”
He said terrorists are spilling the blood of innocent citizens, but will not succeed in their “nefarious designs.”
Bugti directed hospitals and medical staff to remain on high alert and provide the best possible care to the injured.
He said that a committee has been formed to investigate the attack, with instructions to submit a report at the earliest.
“The perpetrators will be brought to justice. Protecting the lives and property of citizens is the government’s top priority,” Bugti stressed, adding that federal and provincial authorities would work together to ensure security in Balochistan.
