QUETTA:
At least 14 people lost their lives and 35 others were injured in a powerful blast near a public rally of the Balochistan National Party (BNP) in Quetta on Tuesday evening.
The explosion took place close to the Shahwani Stadium shortly after the conclusion of a gathering held to mark the fourth death anniversary of Sardar Attaullah Mengal. Health officials at Civil Hospital Quetta confirmed the casualties.
Police officials said the blast occurred near the venue soon after the event ended and initial reports suggested that it may have targeted the convoy of BNP chief Akhtar Mengal, who remained safe.
Security forces quickly sealed off the area, while rescue teams shifted the injured to hospitals, where several were reported to be in critical condition.
BNP spokesperson Sajid Tareen claimed that 13 party workers were killed in the attack, adding that the explosion occurred just as Akhtar Mengal’s vehicle passed by. Investigators have begun investigations into the nature of the blast to determine whether it was caused by an IED or a suicide bomber.
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti condemned the attack, describing it as an attempt to destabilise the province. He directed officials to provide the best medical care to the injured and ordered a thorough investigation.
A special committee has been formed to submit a report on the incident, while security has been tightened across Quetta following the explosion.
