By ABDULLAH At least 10 people lost their lives and more than 32 were injured on Tuesday after a powerful explosion ripped through a busy street near the Frontier Corps (FC) headquarters in Quetta, officials confirmed.
The attack, which shook the provincial capital of Balochistan, is being described as a suicide car bombing targeting the paramilitary headquarters, once again exposing the fragile security situation in the province.
According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Muhammad Baloch, the blast occurred when an explosive-laden vehicle turned from Model Town towards Hali Road, just meters away from the FC headquarters.
Security camera footage circulating on television and social media showed the exact moment when the vehicle exploded, causing chaos on the crowded street. The powerful blast shattered windows, damaged vehicles, and sent plumes of smoke billowing into the sky.
Balochistan Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar confirmed the toll, stating:
“Ten people have been killed while 32 were injured. The injured have been shifted to the Civil Hospital and Trauma Centre.”
Kakar also revealed that at least two of the dead were paramilitary personnel, while most of the victims were civilians caught in the blast.
In the immediate aftermath, security forces launched a counter-operation, killing at least four attackers believed to be behind the bombing.
Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemned the incident, calling it a terrorist attack designed to destabilize the province.
“The terrorists cannot weaken the nation’s resolve through cowardly acts. We remain committed to making Balochistan peaceful and secure,” he said in a statement.
An emergency was declared in all major hospitals of Quetta, including Civil Hospital, BMC Hospital, and Trauma Centre. Health Secretary Mujeebur Rehman said all doctors, consultants, and paramedical staff were placed on high alert. Six of the injured remain in critical condition.
The attack triggered strong reactions from the highest levels of government.
- President Asif Ali Zardari condemned it as a “suicide attack carried out by Fitna-al-Khawarij, extremists acting on India’s agenda.” He praised the security forces’ swift action and prayed for the injured.
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the forces for neutralizing the attackers, vowing that those behind such acts would face “exemplary punishment.”
- Both leaders reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to defeating terrorism and accused hostile elements of trying to destabilize Balochistan.
The state has increasingly referred to groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and TTP affiliates as “Fitna-al-Hindustan”, underscoring Islamabad’s claim that India backs insurgent activity in the province.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of horror and panic. Naresh Kumar, who was injured by flying glass, told local media:
“My mind just went blank. The explosion was massive. Within seconds, everything turned dark.”
Another injured person said they heard continuous gunfire after the blast before security forces secured the area.
The blast comes amid a spike in terrorist violence in Balochistan, where separatist groups like the BLA and BLF have escalated attacks on security forces and economic projects, including those linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Despite being rich in natural resources such as copper, coal, gas, and gold, Balochistan remains Pakistan’s poorest province, fueling resentment among locals. Analysts suggest that repeated attacks may be linked to retaliation against counter-insurgency operations launched by Pakistani forces in recent months.
Political observers warn that the insurgency in Balochistan has taken a new turn with militants using high-casualty tactics like suicide bombings and targeting high-value state institutions.
Despite the devastation, leaders have emphasized unity. “The sacrifices of our security personnel and people will not go in vain,” said CM Bugti. “We will continue operations until Balochistan is free from the menace of terrorism.”
For families of the victims, however, the grief is heavy. With six critically injured still fighting for their lives in hospitals, the death toll could rise.
The Quetta blast is another reminder that while Pakistan has significantly reduced terrorism over the years, the threat remains alive, especially in regions like Balochistan where insurgent groups are trying to resist state control.