A suicide bombing outside a political rally in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 individuals and injured 30 others. The attack occurred late on Tuesday night as supporters of the Balochistan National Party were departing from an event commemorating the anniversary of the late nationalist leader, Sardar Ataullah Mengal.
The explosion took place near a graveyard adjacent to the stadium where the rally was held. Local police chief Majeed Qaisrani confirmed that body parts of the attacker had been recovered at the scene. According to Waseem Baig, a spokesman for a government hospital, the facility received 13 deceased and numerous wounded, with several victims reported in critical condition.
While no group has claimed responsibility for the bombing, the incident has drawn immediate condemnation from various officials. Sarfraz Bugti, the Chief Minister of Balochistan, labeled the attack a “cowardly act of the enemies of humanity.” He has ordered that the injured receive the best possible medical care and called for a thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable.
The rally was attended by Akhtar Mengal, the leader of the Balochistan National Party, who emerged unscathed. Some of his supporters were, however, among the casualties. Mengal is known for his vocal criticism of the government and frequently organizes events to advocate for the release of missing Baloch nationalists.
In Islamabad, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the bombing and attributed the attack to “India-backed terrorists and their facilitators,” asserting that they aim to destabilize the country by targeting civilians. However, the minister did not provide any evidence to support this claim. The Pakistani government has increasingly accused India of supporting both the Pakistani Taliban and Baloch separatist movements, allegations that India denies.
Balochistan has a long history of insurgency, with groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) demanding independence from the central government. Although authorities maintain that the insurgency has been largely contained, violence persists. In July 2023, for example, gunmen abducted and killed nine individuals after halting two passenger buses traveling from Quetta to Punjab province. Such attacks have typically been attributed to the BLA.
As the investigation into this latest bombing unfolds, the impact on local communities and the political landscape in Balochistan remains significant. The region continues to grapple with violence and instability, raising concerns about the safety of political gatherings in the future.
