A tragic explosion at Quetta Railway Station in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province has left at least 25 people dead and about 50 others injured. The incident occurred as a crowded morning train was preparing to depart for Peshawar, with approximately 200 people at the station at the time.
Authorities report that the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group, has claimed responsibility for the attack, which they allegedly carried out to target a returning Pakistani military unit. This attack is part of a broader surge of violence in Balochistan, where tensions have escalated due to demands for regional independence and disputes over control of local resources.
The blast, which police have confirmed was likely the work of a suicide bomber carrying between six and eight kilograms of explosives, caused devastation across the station, with both civilian and military casualties reported. Muhammad Baloch, a senior police official, stated that the explosion resulted in significant loss of life, affecting both local residents and security personnel at the site.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos following the blast. Abdul Jabbar, one of the survivors taken to Civil Hospital, recounted the horror, comparing it to a “judgment day” moment as he described the shock and destruction at the station. Another individual, Muhammad Sohail, shared that he arrived shortly after the explosion, only to find debris scattered and victims lying on the ground, many crying out for help amid the rubble.
Videos circulating on social media captured the moment of the explosion and the immediate aftermath, showing people scrambling for safety and tending to the injured. The platform where the Jaffar Express, a popular morning train service, was set to depart was left in ruins, with visible damage to station infrastructure and personal belongings scattered across the area.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation across Pakistan, with Balochistan’s Chief Minister calling the attack “deplorable” and vowing to bring those responsible to justice. Officials described the perpetrators as “enemies of humanity,” underscoring the government’s resolve to pursue those involved and ensure accountability.
Balochistan, despite being Pakistan’s largest province with an abundance of natural resources, remains one of the country’s least developed regions. The province’s geographic significance includes a shared border with Iran and Afghanistan, alongside an extensive coastline along the Arabian Sea. However, its residents have long voiced grievances about economic neglect and limited autonomy over local resources, fueling a protracted insurgency led by groups such as the BLA, which seek greater independence.
The recent wave of violence in Balochistan has raised alarm nationwide. The province’s strategic importance and volatile political landscape have led to ongoing tensions with both domestic and international implications. With frequent clashes between separatist groups and government forces, Balochistan has been the site of numerous attacks targeting both civilian and military establishments, contributing to an atmosphere of uncertainty and hardship for its residents.
Authorities are now investigating the bombing, with security tightened at critical points across the province in the wake of the tragedy. The tragic event highlights the ongoing security challenges in Balochistan, where efforts to stabilize the region are often hampered by deeply rooted socio-political issues and the activities of armed groups with conflicting interests.
