ISLAMABAD: Just hours after a devastating explosion in Khuzdar claimed the lives of five people—including three children—Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir vowed to respond with unwavering national resolve. They called for unity akin to that shown during past confrontations with India, pledging to eliminate foreign-backed terrorism once and for all.
“The time has come for Pakistan to demonstrate the same iron resolve we have shown against Indian aggression,” said the prime minister during a day-long visit to Quetta to assess the security situation. “Our security forces and law enforcement agencies will relentlessly pursue all those responsible for this barbaric act.”
The powerful blast, which occurred near Zero Point in Khuzdar, Balochistan, targeted a school bus carrying more than 40 students. The attack resulted in the deaths of five individuals—three students, the driver, and his assistant—and injured dozens more. The tragedy has drawn widespread condemnation both domestically and from the international community.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti confirmed the fatalities and stated that critically injured victims were being airlifted to Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Quetta for urgent treatment. Khuzdar’s Deputy Commissioner reported over 30 injuries, with 14 victims, including 12 children, a woman, and a man, transferred to CMH. Several remain in critical condition.
Authorities have accused Indian-backed militants of orchestrating the attack. It comes just two weeks after Pakistan and India agreed to a ceasefire aimed at easing the worst tensions in decades.
Following the attack, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif traveled to Quetta to meet with the injured and their families. He was accompanied by Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.
During their visit, the Chief Minister of Balochistan and Commander Quetta Corps briefed the delegation on the attack, which killed three schoolchildren and two soldiers. A total of 53 individuals were injured, including 39 children—eight of whom are in critical condition.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the attack was carried out by “Indian-sponsored proxies, known as Fitna Al Hindustan,” described as a source of regional instability.
