QUETTA, Pakistan — A suicide bomber detonated himself at a train station in southwestern Pakistan on Saturday, killing at least 26 people, including soldiers and railway staff, and injuring about 62 others, many of whom are in critical condition, according to officials.
The explosion occurred as nearly 100 passengers were waiting for a train traveling from Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, to Rawalpindi, a garrison city. Hamza Shafqaat, a senior government official, confirmed the attack and said that it is usually difficult to prevent such suicide bombings.
Shahid Nawaz, in charge of security at the Quetta train station, emphasized that there was no security breach. He explained that the attacker disguised himself as a passenger before detonating the bomb among the crowd.
TV footage from the scene showed significant damage, including the collapse of the platform’s steel roof and the destruction of a nearby tea stall. Luggage and debris were scattered across the area. Victims were rushed to hospitals, including a military facility.
Wasim Baig, a spokesman for the health department, confirmed that more than a dozen soldiers and six railway employees were among the dead. Despite having a walk-through gate to check for explosives, the station had multiple other entrances that were not secured.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group, claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that it was aimed at targeting military personnel present at the station. The BLA has been fighting for independence from Pakistan for many years.
Muhammad Baloch, a senior police official, explained that the BLA frequently targets softer, less protected locations. He added that such attacks often occur in retaliation when members of the separatist group are arrested.
As the death toll climbed, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the bombing, stating that those responsible would “pay a heavy price.” He assured the public that security forces were determined to eliminate terrorism from the country.
The attack also garnered international condemnation, with Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry and the Russian Embassy in Islamabad expressing their condolences to the victims’ families.
This bombing comes just over a week after a motorcycle bomb killed nine people, including five children, in Balochistan, and follows a series of attacks by the BLA in recent months, targeting both civilians and security forces.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but sparsely populated province, is rich in natural resources but has long been a hotbed of separatist sentiment. In addition to the BLA, Islamic militants also operate in the region, complicating security efforts. The BLA has specifically targeted Chinese nationals working on Pakistan’s Belt and Road Initiative, demanding an end to Chinese-funded projects.
Last month, the group claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing that killed two Chinese nationals near Karachi airport. China has urged Pakistan to enhance security for its citizens working in the region.
