A powerful blast rocked Quetta Railway Station when the Jaffar Express was scheduled to reach the destination killing about 24 people and maiming over 40 others. In a bid to take responsibility, the Baloch Liberation Army claimed the blast was a result of a suicide bomber.
Incident Overview
A blast resonated through Quetta Railway Station on Saturday morning that has left not less than 24 people dead and more than 40 injured. The overwhelming majority of those wounded suffered just a moment before the blast ever occurred, and the Jaffar Express was pulling into the station.
Response and Casualties
The Civil Hospital administration reported that 24 bodies had been received, some of them being in critical condition while injured. Personnel of law enforcement agencies were also among the martyred.
Investigation and Claims
It has been confirmed with Quetta commissioner Hamza Shafqaat that it was a suicidal blast and that the attack was directed by the Baloch Liberation Army. The bomber made his way into the station from the outer side where he was carrying some luggage instead of using the walkthrough gate.
Government Response
Acting President Yusuf Raza Gilani condemned the attack and said that terrorism would be eliminated from Pakistan. Chief Minister of Balochistan, Sarfaraz Bugti, ensured the best possible treatment to the injured and ordered an inquiry into the episode.
Conclusion
The unfortunate incident of the Quetta Railway Station bomb blast exemplifies the threat of terrorism, which prevails and calls for effective security measures to be put in place to safeguard the lives of innocent people.