Suicide blast occurred after BNP rally in Quetta, Pakistan. 14 people died, 35 injured. BNP chief Akhtar Mengal remained safe. Government condemned the attack and formed an investigation committee.
Balochistan Attack: A heart-wrenching incident came to light in Balochistan, Pakistan on Tuesday night. A suicide blast occurred during a large rally of the Balochistan National Party (BNP), killing at least 14 people and injuring 35 others. The attack took place after the rally had concluded and people were returning home.
When and Where the Attack Occurred
This incident took place near Shahwani Stadium in the Sariab area of Quetta city, Balochistan. The rally was organized by the Balochistan National Party on the fourth death anniversary of Sardar Attaullah Mengal. The rally had concluded peacefully, and people were preparing to return home. It was then that a suicide attacker detonated the explosives in his jacket in the parking area. Police stated that the explosion occurred about 15 minutes after the rally ended.
BNP Chief Akhtar Mengal Narrowly Escaped Injury
The rally was led by BNP chief Akhtar Mengal. Fortunately, he had already left the rally venue at the time of the explosion, thus he is completely safe. Mengal expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of his workers on social media, stating that this attack is a great loss for the party.
Other Prominent Leaders Were Also Present
Besides BNP chief Akhtar Mengal, the rally was attended by Mahmood Khan Achakzai, chief of Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, Asghar Khan Achakzai of Awami National Party, and Mir Kabir Muhammad Shahi, former senator of National Party. All leaders are safe. However, several workers, including former BNP MPA Mir Ahmed Nawaz Baloch and party's central labor secretary Musa Jan, were seriously injured.
Suicide Attack, An Act Against Humanity
Police and administration have clearly described this as a suicide attack. Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti bly condemned the incident. He termed it as a "cowardly act by enemies of humanity." The Chief Minister expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and ordered all necessary measures to be taken for the treatment of the injured.
Security Agencies on Alert, Investigation Committee Formed
Security was tightened in Quetta and surrounding areas immediately after the attack. A Special Investigation Committee has been formed to probe all aspects of this attack. Currently, no organization has claimed responsibility for this attack.
All Those Killed Were BNP Workers
BNP chief Akhtar Mengal confirmed that all 14 deceased were BNP workers. He stated that the party will never forget the sacrifices of these workers and that their families will be provided with all possible assistance.
Although no terrorist organization has claimed responsibility for this attack yet, officials believe that an extremist organization might be behind it. Balochistan has been plagued by extremism and terrorism for a long time. Attacks on political rallies and security forces have occurred here previously.
Condition of the Injured
The 35 people injured in this attack have been admitted to nearby hospitals. Several of the injured are reported to be in critical condition. An emergency has been declared at Quetta Civil Hospital. Doctors and medical staff have been recalled from leave to ensure prompt treatment for all casualties.
There has been an increase in terrorist attacks in Pakistan over the past few months. Political gatherings and security forces are being targeted particularly in the Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.
