A devastating suicide bombing at a train station in Quetta, Baluchistan, southwest Pakistan, claimed at least 24 lives and left about 50 others injured on Saturday, with some in critical condition. The bombing occurred at the platform where around 100 passengers were awaiting their train to Rawalpindi, a prominent garrison city. The Baluchistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group, claimed responsibility, citing the target as security personnel present at the station. Baluchistan’s government and security officials continue to monitor the wounded, many of whom were taken to local hospitals for urgent care.
The explosion left significant structural damage, tearing apart the platform roof, destroying a tea stall, and scattering luggage across the area. Among those killed, roughly a dozen were from security forces, adding to the region’s security challenges. Following the attack, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the incident, pledging that those responsible would face consequences. He emphasized that the government and security forces are committed to fighting terrorism and protecting the nation from threats.
This incident comes shortly after a similar attack targeting police officers who were safeguarding polio workers in Baluchistan. This previous blast took nine lives, including five children in the area. The recurrence of violence underscores the security volatility in Baluchistan, the largest province in Pakistan in terms of area but sparsely populated. This region is rich in natural resources, including oil and minerals, and serves as a base for various militant and separatist groups, along with Islamic extremists.
The BLA has been waging an insurgency in Baluchistan, advocating for greater autonomy and protesting against what it perceives as economic exploitation and discrimination from the central government. The group has carried out multiple attacks, specifically targeting security personnel and foreign nationals, particularly Chinese workers involved in Pakistan’s development projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BLA has voiced opposition to the BRI, demanding an end to these projects and urging Chinese workers to leave to avoid further violence.
In October, another suicide attack claimed by the BLA targeted a convoy carrying Chinese nationals near Karachi airport, resulting in two deaths. In response, Beijing has called for enhanced security measures to protect its citizens working across Pakistan. This latest attack further stresses the ongoing security concerns for foreign entities and emphasizes the challenges faced by Pakistan in maintaining stability in Baluchistan amidst the continuous threat from separatist and extremist factions.
