QUETTA:
At least four people were martyred and over 20 others injured in a powerful explosion that rocked Gulistan Bazaar in Killa Abdullah district of Balochistan on Sunday, according to district administration officials.
The blast occurred near Jabbar Market, causing extensive damage to the building, and triggering widespread panic. Several shops collapsed, and fires erupted in multiple establishments following the explosion.
The injured were initially taken to nearby health facilities, while those critically wounded were shifted to Quetta for further treatment. Killa Abdullah Deputy Commissioner Riaz Khan confirmed the casualties, stating that the market was located adjacent to the rear wall of the Frontier Corps (FC) Fort. Following the explosion, a brief exchange of gunfire occurred between unidentified assailants and FC personnel.
The injured included a security guard of tribal elder Haji Faizullah Khan Ghabizai and several bystanders. At the time of the explosion, Haji Faizullah Khan was reportedly present in his office located within the market but remained unharmed.
In response to the incident, law-enforcement sealed off the area and launched a comprehensive search and clearance operation. The local administration and security personnel continue to assess the damage while ensuring that those injured receive timely medical care.
The blast came days after four Levies personnel lost their lives in a deadly gun attack by unidentified armed men on a check post in the Nal area of Khuzdar district. The attack on Friday took place at the Samand Levies check post..
The assailants opened indiscriminate fire on the check post before fleeing the scene. Officials condemned the martyrdom of the Levies personnel. They reiterated their resolve to bring those behind the attack to justice and maintain security in the province.
