A deadly explosion rocked the Quetta Railway Station in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on Saturday, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 30 others. The blast occurred just as a train was preparing to depart for Peshawar, according to reports from Pakistan’s Dawn News.
At the time of the explosion, passengers were waiting on the platform for trains to various destinations, including Rawalpindi. Senior police officer Mohammad Baloch indicated that the explosion appeared to be a suicide attack, though he noted that it was too early to confirm the exact nature of the blast. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the attack.
According to SSP Baloch, around 100 people were present at the scene when the bomb went off. Many of the injured are in critical condition, and authorities fear the death toll could rise further as medical teams work to stabilize the wounded. Hospitals in the area have been put on high alert, with an emergency response in place to treat the victims.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest and poorest province, has long been a hotspot for separatist insurgency, with militant groups like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) targeting government forces and infrastructure. The province is also home to significant energy resources, and militant groups have often accused foreign companies, especially those with Chinese backing, of exploiting the region’s wealth while disregarding the local population.
The attack is the latest in a series of violence in the region, which has seen increasing tensions between separatist groups and Pakistani authorities. In August, the BLA claimed responsibility for a series of deadly attacks that killed at least 39 people.
Authorities continue to investigate the bombing, with a Bomb Disposal Squad at the scene collecting evidence. The government has urged residents to remain vigilant as the investigation continues.
