The number of deaths after a suicide bombing near a public rally of the National-Mégal Party (BNP-M) of Balutchistan in Quetta has increased to 15, because the authorities blamed the party for having challenged the repeated warnings of the administration to postpone the rally due to credible intelligence threats.
The explosion took place Tuesday evening in the Shahwani stadium parking lot, located along Sariab Road, where hundreds of BNP-M supporters gathered to mark the birthday of the death of the veteran Baloch Sardar Attaullah Mengal. Dozens have been injured in the attack, which involved about eight kilograms (17.5 pounds) of explosives.
Addressing a press conference at the DIG office on Wednesday, the additional secretary -in -chief (Home) Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat confirmed that 15 people had been killed and 32 others injured in the incident.
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He said the explosion had taken place around 9:45 p.m. in a poorly lit area, about 500 meters from the rally exit point.
He praised the efforts of the staff of the police, noting that strict security arrangements – in particular the deployment of 120 police officials – had prevented the suicide bomber from reaching the main crowd. “The security arrangements have abstained the striker to explode the aircraft in the main rally,” he said.
Shafqaat added that the remains of the bomber, which are said to be under 30 years of age, were found on the explosion site.
The additional chief secretary revealed that the district administration had initially denied any objection certificate (NOC) for the event due to credible security threats. However, he said that the authorization had been granted later under pressure from the organizers, with a strict condition that the rally should conclude at 3 p.m.
“BNP-M leaders have been invited several times to postpone the rally and were clearly informed of threats,” said Shafqaat. “They were also invited to adhere to the Noc Timings strictly, which they did not follow.”
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After the attack, article 144 was applied through Balutchistan until September 15, prohibiting rallies and public processions, in particular after sunset during 12 Rabi ‘Ult-Awal, to ensure public security. A high alert on the province’s scale remains in place.
Quetta police registered a case at the police station in the Terrorism Department (CTD). The FIR includes accusations of murder, attempted murder, terrorism, the use of explosives and other serious offenses.
The provincial government has announced compensation of RS1.5 million each for families of people killed and 500,000 rupees for each injured person. A high -level survey team was also trained to probe the incident and identify the managers.
Meanwhile, the Islamic State group (IS) claimed the responsibility of the bombing attack through its official outlet.
This marks the second attempt reported on the life of the head of the BNP-M Sardar Akhtar Mengal. A previous attempt was made a few months ago in the Lak Pass area of the Mastung District, where Mengal directed a sit-in calling for the release of Baloch political prisoners, in particular members of the Baloutch Yekjehti Committee.
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“We will not give in because of these loose attacks,” Mengal told party workers on Wednesday, promising to continue his political struggle.
The BNP-M has promised to put pressure on its movement for the political and democratic rights of the Baloutche people. Political parties, including the Pakhtunkhwa Mill Awami (PKMAP) party, and the National Party condemned the attack and announced three -day mourning.
