The Quetta blast on Sariab Road claimed 14 lives on Wednesday evening, with many others wounded, hospital officials confirmed.
The explosion tore through the busy neighborhood near Shahwani Stadium, leaving several victims in critical condition.
According to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), the attack was most likely a suicide bombing. Teams of investigators rushed to the spot and began collecting evidence to trace the network behind the carnage.
Pakistan has been facing a rising wave of militant strikes since 2021, with Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa the main targets.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemned the Quetta blast, calling it a cowardly strike against defenseless citizens. He said the attackers were enemies of humanity who spilled innocent blood only to create fear.
“We will crush their designs,” Bugti vowed, adding that the culprits would be hunted down and punished.
Bugti ordered hospitals to provide the injured with the best medical care. He directed doctors and staff to stay on full alert and warned that no negligence would be tolerated.
The chief minister announced a high-level probe into the Quetta bombing. A special committee was formed and instructed to submit its report without delay. He also said security agencies had been tasked with arresting those responsible as quickly as possible.
Bugti reaffirmed that protecting the lives and property of citizens remained the government’s foremost duty. “Violence will not be allowed to derail peace in Balochistan,” he stated. He assured that both federal and provincial governments would work together to ensure public safety.
Meanwhile, a recent report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) highlighted the growing threat of terrorism. The think tank revealed that 78 terrorist attacks were recorded across Pakistan in June alone, leaving at least 100 people dead.
Among the dead were 53 security personnel, 39 civilians, six militants, and two members of local peace committees. A total of 189 others suffered injuries, including 126 security officials and 63 civilians.
Overall, violence and counter-operations in June resulted in 175 fatalities, including 55 security personnel, 77 militants, 41 civilians, and two members of peace committees.
The armed forces and law enforcement agencies have been carrying out continuous operations against extremists. Targeted actions were launched in Bajaur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to dismantle militant hideouts.
Earlier this month, security forces also killed 47 terrorists linked to India who attempted to infiltrate from Afghanistan. The clash took place during separate operations in Balochistan’s Zhob district.
The Quetta blast once again underscores the urgent need for strong counter-terrorism efforts and unity against those who seek to destabilize the country.
