QUETTA/RAWALPINDI:A deadly blast struck near the FC headquarters on Quetta’s Zarghoon Road Tuesday afternoon, killing at least five people and injuring more than 20, authorities said.
The explosion was followed by intense gunfire, sparking chaos and fear across the area.
Security sources said that the blast was a suicide bombing carried out using an explosives-laden vehicle by Indian-sponsored terrorists dressed as FC personnel. They said that a terrorist drove the vehicle into the FC headquarters, while five other terrorists, attempted to storm inside the building's premises.
However, all six terrorists, including the suicide bomber, were killed as a result of swift action by security forces, the sources said, while least two FC personnel were injured. A clearance operation was underway, they added.
The initial reports by police suggested three people were killed with over a dozen injured. However, the toll was revised to five dead and over 20 hurt after Medical Superintendent of Civil Hospital Quetta Dr Abdul Hadi confirmed the number of casualties.
The official said that all the casualties were civilian. Injured are being given medical aid, he added.
In response to the emergency, a spokesperson for the Health Department confirmed that emergency protocols were imposed at the Civil Hospital, Bolan Medical College (BMC), and the Trauma Centre. All consultants, doctors, pharmacists, staff nurses and paramedical staff have been summoned to the hospitals, the spokesperson added.
Condemning the suicide attack, President Asif Ali Zardari said that the terrorists were carrying out India's agenda. He also commended the security forces for their timely and effective action.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also lauded the forces for eliminating the terrorists involved in the attack and prayed for quick recovery of security personnel wounded in the incident.
Vowing to ensure exemplary punishment to the elements trying to harm the integrity of Pakistan, the premier reaffirmed the resolve to eradicate terrorism from the country.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemned the incident. He praised the swift and effective response of the security forces, stating: "All the terrorists were eliminated in a timely operation".
He further emphasised that such cowardly acts of terrorism cannot dampen the spirit of the Pakistani nation. "The sacrifices of our people and security personnel will not go in vain," he added. "We remain committed to making Balochistan a peaceful and secure province".
The CM also expressed solidarity with the families of the martyrs, praying for the elevation of their ranks, and wished a swift recovery for those injured in the attack.
Today's incident comes against the backdrop of increased terrorist attacks in the country with terror incidents surging by 74% in August, compared to July, as per a report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS). The Islamabad-based think tank recorded 194 fatalities from militant attacks during the month.
Recently, Pakistan, China, Iran and Russia have also expressed deep concern over the presence of terrorist organisations operating from Afghanistan, including Al-Qaeda, the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and other similar groups.