AsiaNews

Deadly Blast Rocks Pakistan Railway Station, Killing at Least 24

Tragedy struck the heart of Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province on Saturday morning when a powerful bomb ripped through Quetta’s bustling railway station, leaving a trail of death and destruction in its wake. The devastating blast claimed the lives of at least 24 people and left more than 40 injured, many of them critically, according to police officials.

Targeted Attack on Army Personnel

Preliminary investigations suggest that the explosion targeted army personnel from the Infantry School who were present at the station. “The blast took place inside the railway station when the Peshawar-bound express was about to leave for its destination,” revealed Muhammad Baloch, a senior police official.

“Army personnel from the Infantry School were the intended target,” stated Mouzzam Jah Ansari, the Inspector General of Police for Balochistan.

Possible Suicide Bombing

While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet, authorities suspect it may have been carried out by a suicide bomber. The powerful explosion left the station in chaos, with witnesses describing scenes of panic and horror.

“I heard a loud bang and saw smoke and bodies everywhere,” recounted a visibly shaken eyewitness. “People were screaming and running in all directions. It was pure chaos.”

Balochistan’s Ongoing Struggle with Militancy

The attack is yet another grim reminder of the security challenges facing Pakistan, particularly in the southwestern province of Balochistan. The region has long been a hotbed of separatist militancy, with groups fighting for secession from Pakistan.

In August, Balochistan witnessed one of the deadliest assaults in recent years when separatist militants launched coordinated attacks on police stations, railway lines, and highways, killing at least 73 people. The province is also home to several China-backed development projects, including a strategic port and a copper and gold mine, which have drawn the ire of militant groups.

Pakistan Grapples with Surge in Terrorism

The Quetta railway station bombing is part of a wider surge in terrorist attacks across Pakistan in recent months. The country has seen a resurgence of both separatist violence in Balochistan and Islamist militancy in its northwestern regions bordering Afghanistan.

Pakistan’s government and security forces have vowed to crack down on the militants, but the task has proven challenging due to the rugged terrain, porous borders, and deep-rooted local grievances that fuel the insurgencies.

International Condemnation and Solidarity

The international community was quick to condemn the Quetta attack and express solidarity with Pakistan. Leaders from across the world sent condolences to the families of the victims and offered support to the Pakistani government in its fight against terrorism.

“We stand with the people of Pakistan in this difficult hour,” said a spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General. “Such senseless acts of violence have no place in our world.”

Investigations Underway

As the nation mourns the loss of innocent lives, Pakistani authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the Quetta bombing. Forensic teams are combing through the debris at the railway station, collecting evidence and trying to piece together the sequence of events that led to the tragedy.

“We will leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators of this heinous attack to justice,” vowed a top Pakistani security official. “Our resolve to fight terrorism remains unwavering.”

As the investigation progresses, Pakistan is left to grapple with the deep-seated challenges of militancy, sectarianism, and regional instability that have plagued the nation for decades. The path ahead is fraught with difficulties, but the resilience and determination of the Pakistani people offer hope for a future free from the shadow of terrorism.

The Quetta railway station bombing serves as a sobering reminder of the human toll of violence and the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the root causes of conflict. As Pakistan mourns its fallen and tends to its wounded, the international community must stand in solidarity, offering support and working together to build a world where such senseless acts of terror become a distant memory.