Quetta:
On Wednesday, chief secretary (home) Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat called for public unit following the tragic suicide explosion near the Shahwani stadium, urging citizens to avoid panic, refrain from blaming the games and maintaining the long -standing peace message from Balutchistan.
Addressing an emergency press conference at the DIG office, Shafqaat confirmed that the suicide attack on Sariab Road cost the life of 15 lives and injured 32 others.
He said the chief minister also announced a compensation set of 1.5 million rupees for the deceased families, 0.5 million rupees for each injured person and 200,000 rupees for minor victims of the Shahwani stadium.
The explosion occurred about 500 meters from the exit point of a public rally held to mark the anniversary of the death of Sardar Attaullah Mengal. He said that the rally had officially finished a few hours earlier, with the explosion that took place at 9:45 p.m. in an ill -lit area near a cemetery.
Despite a high security alert in Quetta, Hamza said the attacker could not have the main rally due to strict security measures, including the deployment of 120 police officers. He added that it forced the attacker to explode the aircraft far from the crowd.
The remains of the bomber, which are said to be under 30 years of age, have been recovered and the authorities believe that around eight kilograms of explosives have been used. Hamza Shafqaat revealed that the District Administration had issued a non-objection certificate (NOC) for the rally under pressure from the organizers, with the condition that the event should be concluded at 3:00 p.m.
He noted that the administration had previously refused NOC requests due to credible security threats. He congratulated the bravery of the staff of the police, highlighting the sacrifice of a police officer who was the only family support of his family and kissed martyrdom while protecting the others.
SSP Operations Muhammad Baloch and Dig Crimes Branch, Farhan Zahid was also present during the briefing.
