Explosion in Balochistan market kills five people
Five people were killed and five others injured in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in the Khuzdar district of Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province on Wednesday.
Tragic Incident in Khuzdar
The explosion occurred after an IED attached to a motorcycle was detonated by a remote device at Naal Market. The Naal police Station House Officer (SHO) Bahawal Khan Pindrani confirmed the details of the incident and stated that the injured individuals were immediately transported to the hospital for medical treatment. District Health Officer Rafiq Sasoli reported that two of the injured were in serious condition, and the authorities had to deal with the aftermath of the blast, including the retrieval of five bodies.
Response and Investigation
The bomb disposal squad was deployed to the site to assess the situation and ensure the safety of the area. Khuzdar Senior Superintendent of Police Javed Zehri revealed that the blast occurred near a college in the market area, causing damage to vehicles as well. Fortunately, security forces were able to prevent another potential terror attack in Balochistan’s Pishin area by apprehending four suspects who were planning an attack.
Government Condemnation and Action
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti condemned the blast and vowed to provide the best medical care to the injured. He expressed determination to eradicate terrorism in all its forms and bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice. Balochistan has been plagued by violence for over two decades, with recent incidents like the car bomb explosion that claimed two lives and injured seven near Khuzdar.
Terrorism Statistics in Pakistan
According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, the country witnessed 79 terrorist attacks in the previous month alone. These attacks resulted in the deaths of 55 civilians and 47 security personnel, while 45 civilians and 81 security personnel sustained injuries. The institute also reported that 156 terrorists were killed, 20 were injured, and 60 were arrested during counter-terrorism operations.
Efforts to Combat Terrorism
The ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in Pakistan involve a multi-faceted approach, including intelligence gathering, security operations, and public awareness campaigns. The government remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens and will continue to work towards eliminating terrorism in the region.