Two policemen martyred in blast near Quetta's Zarghoon Road

QUETTA: Two policemen embraced martyrdom, while 21 others were left injured after an explosion rocked Quetta on Sunday evening, police said.

Police said that the explosion took place at Zarghoon Road, near the city's University Chowk, adding that the explosives were planted on a motorcycle. Per the bomb disposal squad, four kilogrammes of explosives were used in the blast.

The explosion took place near a police van, leading to the death of two policemen. Meanwhile, twelve other policemen sustained injuries. 

The injured have been shifted to the city's Civil Hospital, Deputy Inspector General Quetta Azhar Ikram said, adding that the windows of nearby buildings were shattered due to the explosion.

The DIG Quetta added that according to the initial investigation, the blast was carried out by using a timed device. 

"The policemen were on duty when the explosion occurred, leading to the martyrdom of two," he said. "Meanwhile, the injured are receiving top-class treatment at the hospital but three of them are in critical condition."

The DIG Quetta added that the police had already received a threat related to an attack, adding that the forces are on high alert.

Grenade attack at Saryab Road

Later in the evening, a hand grenade attack took place at Quetta's Saryab Road. Police confirmed that at least one person sustained injuries during the attack. 

CM Balochistan, Bilawal condemn incident

Chief Minister of Balochistan Jam Kamal Khan has condemned the incident. 

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, who is on a visit to Quetta, also condemned the incident.

"Condemn the bomb blast in Quetta. The government must stop appeasing terrorists and implement the National Action Plan," he wrote on Twitter.

Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry condemned the incident and extended condolences to the families of the martyred policemen.

"Terrorists want to sabotage the law and order situation in Balochistan," he said, adding that the sacrifices of the security forces will not go in vain.

Fawad also responded to Bilawal and said that India's Narendra Modi-led government is sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan. 

"What about sponsors of terrorism in Pakistan? The Modi Govt.... why you guys get shy when it comes to condemnation of sponsors of Terrorism in Pakistan? #Quetta

Sheikh Rasheed orders investigation 

Condemning the incident, Minister for Interior Sheikh Rasheed ordered the police to carry out an investigation into the incident and submit a report to him. He extended condolences to the families of the martyred policemen and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

"Cowardly acts of terrorism cannot demoralise our forces," the minister said. "The Centre will provide full support to the government of Balochistan to maintain the law and order."

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