An explosion targeting a police vehicle in Mastung district, Balochistan, on Friday resulted in the tragic deaths of at least five schoolchildren, one policeman, and a passer-by near the Girls High School at Civil Hospital Chowk
According to Nisar Ahmad Baloch, the medical superintendent at the District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ), the toll rose to seven as two injured individuals later succumbed to their wounds during treatment. At least 30 others were injured, with many being schoolchildren, and are currently receiving care at DHQ and Nawab Hospital in Mastung.
The explosion was caused by a remote-controlled explosive device concealed in a motorcycle, as noted by Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Miandad Umrani. The deceased schoolchildren, both boys and girls, ranged in age from 10 to 13 years old, while four policemen were among the injured.
Emergency protocols were activated in both hospitals, with Mastung Deputy Commissioner Mir Baaz Khan Marri reporting that all doctors and medical staff were summoned to assist. Following the blast, an emergency was declared across Quetta hospitals, including Civil Hospital, BMC Hospital, and the Trauma Center, with nine critically injured victims transferred to the Trauma Center for urgent care.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti condemned the attack, expressing sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and pledging to seek justice for the victims. He emphasized the need for community vigilance against terrorism, stating, “The monster of terrorism can only be fought together.”
Acting President and Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gillani also condemned the incident, affirming that terrorist elements threaten humanity and expressing solidarity with security forces and law enforcement agencies.
Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also condemned the heinous act, expressing deep grief over the loss of young lives. He called for a united front against terrorism, stating that such attacks only strengthen the resolve of the nation to combat violence and protect its citizens. Bhutto urged the government to enhance security measures to prevent future tragedies.
This attack underscores the ongoing security challenges in Pakistan, particularly in volatile regions like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which have experienced a surge in terrorist violence. Recent reports indicate that these provinces accounted for 97% of the total fatalities in Pakistan’s terrorist incidents during the first three quarters of the year, highlighting a concerning trend of escalating violence.
