In the aftermath of the suicide blast at Quetta’s railway station, authorities have taken swift action, temporarily closing the station and suspending all train operations due to safety concerns. Additional security measures have been enforced at bus stations and other key locations across Quetta to prevent further incidents.
The injured are receiving treatment at both Civil Hospital and Combined Military Hospital (CMH). Officials have advised citizens to remain cautious to avoid another potential explosion, as security forces work to stabilize the situation.
Quetta Commissioner Hamza stressed that both civilians and security forces were the intended targets of the attack, calling the blast an assault on soft targets. “Terrorists hit soft targets,” he said, adding that security had been put on high alert throughout the city, with immediate orders to close the railway station.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Saad bin Asad revealed that the terrorist entered the railway station through an open entry point. He confirmed that an alert regarding a potential security threat had been issued prior to the attack. “When the administration issues an alert, it has a purpose,” he said, calling for an audit of the railway station’s security protocols. The DC also pointed to the Railway Police as being responsible for securing the station.
Railway Police Inspector General (IG) noted that 18 officers were on duty at the station when the explosion took place. He promised a thorough review to identify and address any security lapses.
The blast, which occurred near the ticket booth as passengers were preparing to depart, claimed at least 24 lives and injured 57 others. Railway officials reported that two trains, including the Jafar Express to Peshawar, were scheduled to depart at the time of the explosion. SSP (Operations) Muhammad Baloch confirmed that the platform was crowded with passengers when the blast occurred. He added that the Crime Scene Unit had arrived at the site and was working to determine the exact nature of the attack, with initial suspicions pointing to a suicide bombing.
