Pakistan: Suicide Bombing Kills 15, Injures Dozens at Political Rally

Quetta Suicide Bombing Kills 15, Injures Dozens at Political Rally

A suicide bombing in Quetta, Pakistan, has killed 15 people and wounded more than 30, according to authorities. The attack occurred in a parking area near a political rally of the Balochistan National Party (BNP) on Tuesday night. The Islamic State militant group has claimed responsibility.

Details of the Attack

The blast took place as hundreds of BNP members gathered at a stadium in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, to commemorate Ataullah Mengal, a former chief minister who died in 2021. Provincial health minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar stated that the suicide bomber was prevented from reaching the main venue due to tight security, which included 120 police personnel. A government official, Hamza Shafqaat, noted that the casualties would have been far higher if the bomber had reached the crowded rally.

Survivors recounted the terror of the explosion. Zaman Baloch, who was standing nearby, said he heard a loud blast and saw "a lot of people lying on the ground." Another survivor, Noor Ahmad, also described hearing a massive explosion. An injured BNP leader, Ahmed Nawaz, told BBC Urdu that the blast site was about 200 feet from the rally.

Broader Context of Violence in Balochistan

Balochistan, a restive and impoverished region bordering Afghanistan and Iran, is no stranger to such violence. The area is a hotbed of militant activity, with frequent attacks by the Islamic State and various separatist groups.

• In February 2024, an Islamic State bombing of election offices in Balochistan killed over 20 people.
• Last November, a suicide bombing at a Quetta railway station killed more than 20 people. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility.
• In March of this year, the BLA hijacked a train with over 400 passengers, threatening to kill hostages unless Baloch political prisoners were released.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, calling it "damning evidence of the nefarious conspiracy by terrorists to spread chaos in Balochistan."