Mastung, Balochistan: A tragic explosion in Balochistan’s Mastung district on Friday claimed the lives of at least seven people, including five schoolchildren, a police officer, and a passer-by. The blast occurred near Girls High School at Civil Hospital Chowk, where a remote-controlled explosive device was planted on a motorcycle targeting a police vehicle, authorities reported.
Nisar Ahmad Baloch, the medical superintendent at the District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ), confirmed that two additional victims succumbed to their injuries during treatment, raising the death toll. Emergency response measures were swiftly implemented at DHQ and Nawab Hospital, where around 30 injured individuals are receiving medical care. Most of the injured are schoolchildren between the ages of 10 and 13.
Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Miandad Umrani stated that the explosion entirely destroyed the targeted police vehicle and damaged several surrounding vehicles, including rickshaws. Following the blast, authorities declared an emergency at hospitals across Quetta, including Civil Hospital, BMC Hospital, and the Trauma Centre. Critical patients have been transferred to the Trauma Centre for specialized treatment.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives, condemning the attack and extending condolences to the families of the victims. “Terrorists have now targeted innocent children along with civilians,” he stated, vowing that those responsible will be held accountable. “The fight against terrorism requires joint vigilance from local communities and law enforcement agencies,” he added.
Acting President and Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gillani also condemned the incident, describing terrorism as an “enemy to humanity” and pledging nationwide support for security forces in their ongoing struggle against extremism.
Balochistan has experienced escalating violence recently, with increasing attacks affecting both civilians and security personnel. Just days ago, gunmen in Panjgur killed five people and injured two others. According to a report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa accounted for 97% of Pakistan’s 722 terror-related fatalities in the first three quarters of the year.
