Explosion at Quetta Railway Station Kills at Least 20, Injures Over 30

QUETTA, Balochistan : A deadly explosion rocked Quetta Railway Station on Saturday, claiming the lives of at least 20 people and injuring more than 30 others. The blast occurred as passengers were waiting for a train bound for Peshawar.

According to local authorities, the explosion occurred on the platform while a train was ready to depart, sending shockwaves through the crowd. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mohammad Baloch confirmed that the blast appears to have been a suicide bombing, although he cautioned that it was still too early to determine the exact nature of the attack.

“At the time of the explosion, around 100 people were present at the site,” SSP Baloch told reporters. The senior officer added that an investigation was underway, and security personnel were on the scene to collect evidence, with the Bomb Disposal Squad also examining the area for clues.

The death toll is expected to rise, as several of the injured victims remain in critical condition. Government spokesperson Shahid Rind stated that an emergency has been declared in local hospitals to accommodate the influx of casualties, and medical teams were working to provide urgent care to the wounded.

While the investigation is still ongoing, the Balochistan government has condemned the attack and pledged support for the victims and their families. Local authorities are exploring all possible angles, including militant involvement, as Balochistan has long been a hotbed for separatist insurgencies.

Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest and poorest province, has been plagued by violence in recent years, primarily driven by separatist groups like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). These groups have often targeted Pakistani security forces and infrastructure projects, accusing the government and foreign investors, particularly Chinese interests, of exploiting the region's resources without benefiting local populations.

The attack comes amid growing tensions in the region, with the BLA claiming responsibility for several deadly assaults in the past, including a series of coordinated attacks in August that left at least 39 people dead.

As authorities continue to investigate the latest attack, the government of Balochistan has vowed to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of its citizens and to bring the perpetrators to justice.