Pakistan:A massive explosion rocked Quetta’s railway station on Saturday morning, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 30, many of whom are in critical condition. The blast occurred on a crowded platform as passengers were preparing to board the Zafar Express, one of the two major trains departing from the station.
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According to railway officials, the Zafar Express was scheduled to depart for Peshawar at 9:00 am, but had not yet reached the platform when the blast occurred, possibly to avoid further casualties. The blast was targeted at the station’s booking office near the platform, where a crowd had gathered in anticipation of the arrival of early morning trains. Due to the impact of the explosion, there was a stir in the station, due to which there was panic among the passengers and they started running here and there to escape safely.
Emergency response teams and police immediately reached the spot and shifted the injured to Quetta Civil Hospital. A state of emergency has been declared at the hospital, and additional medical staff have been called in to care for the large number of casualties. Officials have warned that the death toll could rise, as the condition of many of the injured is said to be serious.
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In response to the attack, acting President Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani condemned the perpetrators, calling them “enemies of humanity” for targeting innocent civilians. He stressed the government’s unwavering commitment to combat terrorism and ensure public safety.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti also condemned the attack and directed the concerned authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident. He assured the public that the provincial government is committed to addressing the security challenges faced by Balochistan and preventing such incidents in future.
As investigators work to determine the cause and motive behind the blast, security measures have been stepped up at major transit points to prevent further attacks in the area. Authorities are also coordinating with bomb disposal units to collect evidence and gather more information about the nature of the blast.
The attack is another reminder of the ongoing security concerns in Balochistan, a province that has seen persistent unrest and violence in recent years. The government has vowed to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of its citizens and eliminate the scourge of terrorism from the region.
