Quetta Double Road blast, 3 killed, 21 injured

A powerful explosion hit Quetta’s Double Road, killing at least three people and injuring 21 others, including security personnel, shopkeepers, and bystanders. The blast targeted a police van that was on routine patrol, leaving the officers inside severely injured.

According to Police Surgeon Dr. Ayesha Faiz, three people lost their lives, while many of the injured are in critical condition. Dr. Abdul Hadi, the Medical Superintendent of Sandeman Hospital, confirmed that four of them are in extremely serious condition. Dr. Arbab Kamran, Managing Director of the Trauma Centre, said that emergency medical aid is being provided to all the victims.

Following the explosion, an emergency was declared at Sandeman Hospital, and all doctors and medical staff were urgently called in. Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched an investigation into the attack.

Balochistan has seen a rise in terrorist attacks in recent months, with security forces often being targeted. President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the attack, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives. He said such heinous acts during the holy month of Ramadan show the evil intentions of terrorists. He prayed for the deceased and their families and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the blast and ordered an investigation to bring those responsible to justice. He extended his condolences to the bereaved families and directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured. He vowed that Pakistan will not allow terrorists to succeed and will continue the fight against terrorism until it is completely eradicated.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in a statement on X, also condemned the attack and expressed grief over the deaths. He said that enemies are targeting Balochistan to create instability, but their plans will be foiled.

Pakistan has seen a sharp rise in terrorist attacks recently. In January 2025 alone, the number of such incidents increased by 42% compared to the previous month, according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS).

At least 74 militant attacks were recorded across the country, resulting in 91 deaths, including 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants. Another 117 people were injured, most of them security personnel and civilians. KP was the worst-affected province, followed by Balochistan. In KP’s settled districts alone, 27 attacks took place, killing 19 people, including 11 security personnel, six civilians, and two militants.