Quetta:
At least 14 people lost their lives and 35 other people were injured in a powerful explosion near a public rally in Balouthistan National Party (BNP) in Quetta on Tuesday evening.
The explosion took place near the Shahwani stadium shortly after the conclusion of a rally held to mark the fourth anniversary of the death of Sardar Attaullah Mengal. Health officials at Civil Hospital Quetta confirmed the victims.
Police officials said the explosion occurred near the room shortly after the event and the first reports suggested that he may have targeted the convoy of the BNP chief, Akhtar Mengal, who remained safe.
The security forces quickly sealed the area, while the rescue teams moved the wounded in hospitals, where many are in critical condition.
BNP spokesperson Sajid Tareen said that 13 party workers had been killed during the attack, adding that the explosion had taken place just when Akhtar Mengal’s vehicle had passed. Investigators began surveys on the nature of the explosion to determine whether it was caused by an IED or a suicide bomber.
The chief minister of Balutchistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, condemned the attack, describing it as an attempt to destabilize the province. He ordered officials to provide the best medical care to the injured and ordered an in -depth investigation.
A special committee was trained to submit a report on the incident, while security was tightened through Quetta after the explosion.
