Death toll climbs to 24 in Pakistan railway station explosion UPDATED

The death toll from a blast near a railway station in Quetta, Balochistan, has risen to 24.

The attack, claimed by the separatist group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), involved a suicide bomber targeting military personnel stationed at the site, Caliber.Az reports referring to foreign media sources.

The BLA, an outlawed group that has long fought for Balochistan's independence from Pakistan, stated responsibility for the deadly strike.

Balochistan, Pakistan's largest yet sparsely populated province, is rich in oil and minerals. It is home to the ethnic Baloch minority, who have long complained of discrimination and exploitation by the central government. The region, a hotbed of separatist sentiment, also sees the activity of Islamic militants.

The BLA frequently targets security forces and foreign nationals, particularly Chinese workers involved in Pakistan's infrastructure projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Just last month, the group was behind a suicide bombing near Karachi airport that targeted a convoy with Chinese nationals, killing two people. Following that attack, China called on Pakistan to ensure the safety of its citizens working on various projects in Balochistan and other regions.

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At least 21 people were killed and 30 others injured in a bomb explosion near Quetta's railway station, marking another tragic incident of violence in the Balochistan region.

The blast occurred at the railway station’s booking office, a bustling area that often draws large crowds, contributing to the significant number of casualties, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The emergency services, including police and rescue teams, quickly arrived at the scene. Authorities declared an emergency at Quetta’s Civil Hospital, summoning extra doctors and medical staff to handle the influx of the wounded.

The explosion occurred shortly before the scheduled departure of the Jaffer Express for Peshawar at 9 a.m., as confirmed by railway officials. Given that several injured victims remain in critical condition, officials fear the death toll may increase.

Senior Superintendent Police (SSP) Operations Quetta, Muhammad Baloch, spoke to the media, suggesting the explosion might have been a suicide attack, though he emphasized that a detailed investigation is ongoing. He confirmed the current figures: 21 dead and 30 injured.

“The blast took place inside the railway station when the Peshawar-bound express was about to leave for its destination,” Baloch explained. The explosion was so powerful that it damaged the roof of the platform and was heard across various parts of the city.

A bomb disposal squad has inspected the scene, which has been cordoned off, and authorities promise updates on the specifics of the attack. Speaking to Geo News, Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed the death toll and stated that around 40 people had been injured, with at least 10 in critical condition.

Acting President Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani condemned the attack, describing terrorists as enemies of humanity for targeting innocent civilians. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to taking decisive action against terrorism. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti also directed officials to conduct a thorough investigation and reiterated the determination to eliminate terrorism from the region.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah expressed his sorrow over the incident, saying, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives in this act of terrorism in Quetta,” and noted that anti-state forces are attempting to sow fear among the people.

A recent report by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) highlights a disturbing rise in violence. The third quarter of this year saw a 90% increase in violent incidents, with 722 people killed — including civilians, security personnel, and militants — and 615 injured across 328 recorded events. Notably, 97% of these fatalities occurred in the most affected provinces. This year's total fatalities have now surpassed the numbers for all of 2023, with 1,534 deaths in the first three quarters compared to 1,523 last year.

By Tamilla Hasanova