Blast at Quetta Railway Station: 24 Killed, 40 Injured

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

A blast at Quetta Railway Station on Saturday killed 24 people and injured 40 others.
The explosion occurred when the Peshawar-bound express was about to depart.
Authorities suspect it was a suicide attack, though confirmation is pending.
The Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the blast.
The blast caused damage to railway infrastructure, and the area has been cordoned off.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

A devastating blast occurred at Quetta Railway Station on Saturday, killing 24 people and injuring 40 others. The explosion took place just as the Peshawar-bound express was about to depart from the station. Senior police officer Mohammad Baloch stated that it appeared to be a suicide attack, but emphasized that it was too early to confirm the details. Several of the injured are in critical condition, and an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the explosion.

In recent months, Pakistan has been grappling with an increase in terrorist attacks, particularly in its northwest, and a growing separatist insurgency in the south. This attack is a part of the ongoing tensions in the region, and it highlights the precarious security situation in Pakistan.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the blast. BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch stated, “We claim responsibility for the blast at Quetta Railway Station. This morning, a fidayee attack was carried out on a Pakistani army unit at Quetta Railway Station as they were returning via the Jaffer Express after completing a course at the Infantry School. The attack was executed by the BLA’s fidayee unit, Majeed Brigade.”

According to BLA, the attack targeted military personnel aboard the Jaffer Express as it was preparing to depart the station. The explosion not only caused a tragic loss of life but also damaged railway infrastructure. Authorities have cordoned off the area, and emergency services are working to rescue survivors.

This attack raises further concerns about the rising threat of terrorism and separatism in Pakistan. The country has witnessed a rise in such incidents in recent years, especially in the Balochistan region, where separatist movements have been gaining ground. This latest blast in Quetta serves as a stark reminder of the challenges Pakistan faces in maintaining security and stability.

Key Takeaways to Remember