By Staff Reporter
QUETTA: A powerful explosion tore through a political rally at Shahwani Stadium in Quetta on Tuesday night, killing at least five people and injuring 29 others, according to the Balochistan Health Department.
The blast, which targeted a gathering of the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), has heightened fears of escalating violence in the restive province, with officials condemning the attack as a “cowardly act” aimed at destabilizing the region.
The explosion occurred in the parking lot of the stadium shortly after the rally, which was held to commemorate the death anniversary of BNP-M founder Attaullah Mengal. The Balochistan Health Department reported that the injured were swiftly transported to Quetta Civil Hospital, where they received first aid before being admitted to the trauma center for further treatment. Dr. Waseem Baig, the hospital’s spokesperson, confirmed the toll of five dead and 29 injured.
However, Advocate Sajid Tareen, the acting president of the BNP-M, offered a graver account in a media briefing at the hospital. He claimed that 13 party workers had been killed in the blast, with several others injured, including former Member of the Provincial Assembly Ahmed Nawaz and party leader Musa Baloch. Tareen said the party had anticipated the possibility of such an attack and had previously contacted the district administration to ensure robust security measures. “We had our apprehensions,” he said, his voice heavy with grief. “This was a targeted attack on our workers.”
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the blast, which comes amid heightened tensions in Balochistan, a province long plagued by separatist insurgencies and militant violence. The Balochistan Home Department said rescue teams were dispatched immediately to the scene, and security forces cordoned off the area to collect evidence. The government has ordered a high-level investigation and urged the public to refrain from spreading rumors and to cooperate with authorities.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti condemned the attack in the strongest terms, calling it a “cowardly act of enemies of humanity.” In a statement, Bugti accused “malicious elements” of “playing with the blood of innocent citizens” and vowed that the “evil intentions of terrorists” would be defeated. “Protection of people’s lives and property is the first responsibility of the government,” he said, adding that security agencies had been instructed to apprehend the perpetrators immediately. Bugti also directed hospital authorities to provide the best possible medical care to the injured, emphasizing that there should be “no negligence” in their treatment.
At Quetta Civil Hospital, Balochistan Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar was personally overseeing relief efforts, following instructions from the chief minister. Kakar announced that an emergency had been declared in all hospitals across the province, with doctors and medical staff summoned for immediate duty. He confirmed that the regional blood center was operational and that emergency measures were in place to ensure an adequate blood supply. “Operation theaters and ICUs are on high alert, and ambulance services and paramedical staff are fully mobilized,” Kakar said, expressing solidarity with the victims and their families.
The blast has drawn condemnation from federal authorities as well. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi described the attack as part of a “nefarious conspiracy” to create instability, pointing to what he called “Indian-sponsored terrorists.” In May, the government designated all terrorist organizations in Balochistan as “Fitna al-Hindustan,” a term intended to frame India’s alleged role in fomenting unrest in the province. “With the support of the nation, we will crush the sinister designs of these terrorists and their facilitators,” Naqvi said, extending condolences to the victims.
The attack underscores the fragile security situation in Balochistan, where separatist groups, militant organizations, and alleged foreign interference have long fueled violence. The BNP-M, a nationalist party advocating for greater autonomy for the Baloch people, has frequently been at odds with both the federal government and militant groups operating in the region. Tuesday’s rally, which drew a large crowd as evidenced by a photo Tareen posted on X earlier in the evening, was meant to honor the legacy of Attaullah Mengal, a towering figure in Baloch politics.
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