QUETTA; A powerful explosion ripped through Quetta’s Sariab Road on Tuesday night, killing at least 13 people and leaving 29 others injured, according to Civil Hospital officials. The explosion occurred moments after a large gathering organised by Balochistan National Party (Mengal) chief Akhtar Mengal to commemorate the death anniversary of his father, veteran nationalist leader Sardar Attaullah Mengal.
According to eyewitnesses and police officials, the explosion took place just as Akhtar Mengal, National Party President Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch, Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai, and other senior political figures were leaving the venue. The leaders had entered their bullet-proof vehicles when the blast struck the parking lot. One of the vehicles was severely damaged in the attack, but the leaders remained unharmed due to reinforced security measures.
The blast, which occurred near Shahwani Stadium in the evening, is suspected to be a suicide bombing. “Initial reports suggest it was a suicide attack,” said a spokesperson of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), adding that evidence is being collected from the site.
Dr. Hadi Kakar, Medical Superintendent of Civil Hospital Quetta, confirmed the death toll and said five of the injured were in critical condition. Rescue teams shifted the victims to nearby hospitals, while the area was cordoned off by security forces.
Rescue teams and law enforcement agencies rushed to the site, shifting the wounded to Quetta Civil Hospital where several remain in critical condition. Hospital authorities confirmed four fatalities. Security forces sealed off the area and launched an investigation, with bomb disposal experts examining the nature of the explosives used.
The commemorative event had drawn a large crowd of BNP-Mengal supporters and nationalist workers. Analysts note that the attack appeared designed to target top nationalist leaders, given the timing and location. While no group has yet claimed responsibility, security officials described it as a “planned act of terrorism” meant to destabilise Balochistan and spread fear among political workers.
Authorities have heightened security across Quetta and placed key leaders under additional protection. Police have vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice after forensic tests are complete.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemned the bombing, calling it a “cowardly assault on innocent citizens.” He said the perpetrators were “enemies of humanity” who shed blood to spread fear and chaos. “We will crush their nefarious designs. The attackers will be hunted down and punished,” Bugti vowed.
The chief minister directed hospitals to provide the best possible medical care to the wounded, warning that “no negligence will be tolerated.” He also announced a high-level inquiry into the incident, with a committee tasked to submit findings urgently. Security agencies, he said, had been instructed to intensify operations and ensure swift arrests of those responsible.
“Safeguarding lives and property is the foremost duty of the state,” Bugti stressed, adding that neither the provincial nor federal government would allow violence to derail peace in Balochistan.
The attack comes amid a renewed surge in terrorism across Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), 78 terror attacks occurred in June alone, leaving at least 100 people dead. The fatalities included 53 security personnel, 39 civilians, six militants, and two peace committee members. Another 189 people were injured during the same period.
Earlier this month, security forces killed 47 Indian-backed militants attempting to infiltrate from Afghanistan during separate operations in Balochistan’s Zhob district. Officials say counter-terrorism operations will continue until the last militant network is dismantled.
