Pakistan Railway Station Blast: Deadly Explosion at Quetta Station Claims 25 Lives
At least 25 people, including 14 soldiers, were killed and over 40 injured in a massive explosion at Quetta railway station in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on Saturday. The blast targeted soldiers deployed at the station. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group, claimed responsibility for the attack, calling it a suicide attack.
Explosion at Quetta Railway Station: Casualties and Injuries
Number of dead: 25, including 14 soldiers
Injured: Over 40, many of them in critical condition
Location: Booking office area of ​​Quetta railway station
Target: Mainly army personnel attached to the Infantry School
Eyewitnesses said the blast occurred when the Jaffar Express train was about to arrive at the platform. The train was scheduled to leave for Peshawar at 9 am but coincidently it had not arrived at the platform, averting further loss of life and property.
Balochistan Liberation Army Claims Responsibility
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the Pakistan railway station blast, saying that the suicide bomber specifically targeted military personnel. Balochistan government spokesman Shahid Rind confirmed that an investigation into the incident is underway and efforts are being made to clarify the motives and facts behind the attack.
At least 24 people were killed and more than 40 injured in a bomb blast at a railway station in the city of Quetta in southwestern Pakistan https://t.co/83gDSlGfrH pic.twitter.com/M7Jxm0rrWX
— Reuters (@Reuters) November 9, 2024
Government’s Response to the Pakistan Railway Station Blast
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack and warned the attackers to “pay a heavy price”. He said the government is committed to rooting out terrorism from the region. Sharif said in the statement that security forces will intensify their efforts to end terrorist threats in Balochistan and across Pakistan.
Recent Terrorist Activities in Balochistan
Balochistan has long been an epicenter of militant activities, with groups such as the BLA demanding independence from Islamabad. There have been several coordinated attacks on police stations, railway lines and highways in Balochistan in recent months, killing a large number of people.
Investigation and Security Measures
After the Pakistan railway station blast, police and security forces immediately reached the spot. Led by Balochistan Inspector General of Police Moazzam Jah Ansari, the incident is being investigated by the authorities to understand the circumstances and evidence of the attack.