A suicide bombing at a political rally in Pakistan’s Balochistan province killed 15 people and injured 32 others on Tuesday night, with no immediate claim of responsibility. The attack occurred near Shahwani Stadium in Quetta shortly after the event concluded, targeting supporters of the Balochistan National Party.
The explosion took place at approximately 9:40 PM local time, about 500 meters from the stadium exit, as attendees were departing. Police officials confirmed that a suicide bomber, believed to be under 30 years old, detonated an estimated 8 to 10 kilograms of explosives. Strict security measures prevented the attacker from reaching the main gathering, limiting the blast’s impact to the periphery.
The rally was organized by the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) to mark the fourth death anniversary of its founder, Attaullah Mengal. Key political figures, including party leader Akhtar Mengal and other senior members, were present but escaped unharmed. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with flames erupting and immediate efforts to evacuate the injured to nearby hospitals.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest yet most impoverished province, has long been a center of separatist insurgency, with militants frequently targeting security forces, officials, and non-local residents. The region is rich in natural resources and holds strategic importance for China’s Belt and Road Initiative, involving significant infrastructure investments.
Additional Chief Secretary Home, Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat, addressed the media, revealing that 112 policemen were deployed for security and that the provincial government had imposed Section 144 due to high threat levels until September 15. Despite prior alerts, the rally was permitted with specific conditions, including time restrictions.
Akhtar Mengal announced a three-day mourning period and declared a ‘black day’ across Balochistan, criticizing the government for not adequately informing them of threat alerts. Health officials reported that eight of the injured were in critical condition and were transferred to military hospitals for advanced care.
No group has claimed responsibility for the bombing, and investigations are ongoing to determine the bomber’s ethnicity and potential affiliations. The attack underscores persistent security challenges in Pakistan and raises concerns about the safety of political gatherings in conflict-prone areas.
This incident, one of the deadliest in recent months, may lead to increased security measures and political discussions on protecting democratic processes. It highlights the ongoing struggle against terrorism in the region and its impact on civilian life.