At least 19 people were killed and more than 70 injured after a deadly bombing targeted a passenger train in Quetta on Sunday, marking another major attack in Pakistan’s insurgency-hit southwestern region.
According to officials, a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-filled vehicle near a railway track as the train passed through the city. The powerful blast overturned two train cars and sparked a fire, sending thick smoke into the air and causing widespread destruction in the surrounding area.
Authorities said several nearby buildings were damaged, while more than a dozen vehicles parked close to the blast site were destroyed. Witnesses reported scenes of chaos as rescue workers and security personnel rushed to assist victims.
Doctors at hospitals across Quetta confirmed receiving dozens of injured passengers, with at least 20 victims reported to be in critical condition.
The outlawed separatist group Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it targeted a train allegedly carrying security personnel. The militant organization has long demanded independence for Balochistan from Pakistan’s central government.
Balochistan, a resource-rich province known for its oil and mineral reserves, has faced years of insurgency and violence involving separatist groups targeting security forces, government infrastructure, and civilians.
Shahid Rind, spokesperson for the Balochistan provincial government, condemned the attack and described it as an act of terrorism against innocent civilians.
“We strongly condemn the targeting of innocent civilians and are deeply saddened by the loss of precious human lives. Terrorist elements deserve no leniency,” Rind said.
A medical emergency was declared in hospitals across Quetta following the blast, while authorities launched a full investigation into the attack.
Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the bombing, calling it a “cowardly act of terrorism” and expressing condolences to the victims’ families.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti vowed to pursue those responsible, saying the attackers deliberately targeted civilians, including women and children.
Pakistani officials have repeatedly accused India of supporting the Baloch Liberation Army, often referring to the group as “Fitna al-Hindustan.” India has consistently denied those allegations.
The latest bombing highlights ongoing security challenges in Balochistan despite government claims that the insurgency has largely been contained. In 2024, another suicide attack at a train station in the province killed at least 26 people, including security personnel.