A devastating explosion near the Chaman railway crossing in Quetta has claimed at least 14 lives, including personnel from the Frontier Corps (FC), and left numerous others wounded, among them women and children. The blast occurred on the railway track adjacent to Chaman Phatak, causing a fire that derailed three train coaches, including the locomotive. Two coaches overturned completely, one bogie was entirely destroyed, and another sustained partial damage. Railway authorities confirmed that the Jaffar Express, en route to Peshawar, was halted at Quetta Railway Station following the incident.
Immediate Response and Casualties
Security forces swiftly cordoned off the area after the explosion. The blast shattered windows of nearby buildings and damaged vehicles parked along the railway track. An emergency was declared at government hospitals, with doctors and medical staff summoned urgently. Rescue sources reported that over 20 injured individuals were transported to Civil Sandeman Hospital. Quetta Police confirmed the death toll and the involvement of FC personnel among the martyrs.
Official Condemnations
President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the terrorist attack, stating that hostile elements aim to harm Pakistan's people and divert attention from the nation's global peace efforts. He called on the world to recognize the true face of terrorists and their supporters, who are attempting to undermine Pakistan's contributions to international peace. Zardari emphasized that Pakistan will defeat terrorists, their facilitators, financiers, and those providing safe havens.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the blast, asserting that cowardly attacks cannot weaken the nation's resolve. He expressed solidarity with the people of Balochistan and offered condolences to the victims' families. The Prime Minister vowed that every conspiracy aimed at disturbing peace in Balochistan would be foiled, describing the targeting of innocent civilians as an act against humanity. He reiterated that the entire nation stands with the security forces.
Shahid Rind, special assistant to the Chief Minister of Balochistan, confirmed that three FC soldiers were among the martyrs. He stated that terrorists targeted unarmed civilians, calling the attack a cowardly act by enemies of peace. Rind noted that evidence collection and investigations are underway, and that targeting public places reflects the desperation of terrorists. He vowed that the sacrifices of the martyrs would not be in vain.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemned the attack, saying that terrorists are proving their brutality by targeting innocent civilians, women, and children. Bugti stated that terrorists responsible for shedding innocent blood deserve no leniency. He vowed that anti-state elements and their facilitators would be brought to justice one by one, adding that no safe haven for terrorists would remain in Balochistan.
