QUETTA/RAWALPINDI — A devastating suicide bombing near the Frontier Corps (FC) headquarters in Quetta claimed the lives of at least 10 people, including two FC personnel, and injured more than 20 others on Tuesday. The attack, which was followed by intense gunfire, has left the region shaken.
Balochistan’s Health Minister, Bakh Muhammad Kakar, confirmed the casualties, stating that 26 people were treated at local hospitals, with five in critical condition. The blast, which rocked the area, was reportedly carried out by a suicide bomber who drove an explosives-laden vehicle into the FC compound. Following the explosion, a group of five additional terrorists attempted to storm the facility. However, all six attackers were swiftly neutralized by security forces.
Minister Kakar condemned the attack, calling it a cowardly act of terrorism, but praised the bravery of the security forces who responded quickly to eliminate the terrorists. “This incident will not weaken our resolve in the fight against terrorism,” Kakar said during a press briefing at the Trauma Centre.
The initial death toll reported by local police was three, but it was later revised to five fatalities with over 20 injuries. The Medical Superintendent of Civil Hospital, Dr. Abdul Hadi, confirmed that all the deceased were civilians. In response to the emergency, hospitals in the region were placed on high alert, and all available medical personnel were summoned to provide care.
The attack drew swift condemnation from Pakistan’s leadership, with President Asif Ali Zardari calling it an attempt by terrorists to further India’s agenda. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also praised the timely action of the security forces and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating terrorism from the country and vowed to bring those responsible to justice.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti also condemned the attack, highlighting the prompt and effective response by security forces. “These cowardly acts will not deter us,” he stated, pledging continued efforts to ensure peace in Balochistan. He expressed solidarity with the families of the martyrs and wished the injured a swift recovery.
The United States also condemned the bombing, with Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker expressing condolences and offering support to Pakistan in its fight against terrorism.
This attack comes amid a worrying increase in terrorist activities across Pakistan. According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), terrorist incidents surged by 74% in August, compared to the previous month, with nearly 200 fatalities recorded.
The attack is being linked to terrorist groups operating out of Afghanistan, including Al-Qaeda, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). These groups have become a growing concern for both Pakistan and neighboring countries, including China and Iran, which have expressed shared concerns over cross-border terrorism.
In a related incident, a bridge in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district was blown up by terrorists allegedly backed by India. The blast, which destroyed vital infrastructure, disrupted transportation in the region, affecting citizens’ ability to travel, particularly those needing medical assistance.
Local residents condemned the attack, emphasizing that infrastructure like bridges and schools should be off-limits to terrorists, as they serve the community’s welfare.
As Pakistan grapples with an uptick in terrorism, the country’s leadership has vowed to continue their efforts to combat the forces destabilizing the region and endangering the safety of civilians.
