Two individuals, including a police officer and a civilian, died in an attack near a Balochistan Constabulary truck in Quetta’s Baleli area on Wednesday, police said. At least 24 other people sustained injuries in the attack, including 20 policemen and four civilians, according to Quetta Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) Ghulam Azfar Mahesar, says in media reports. “The explosion took place near the police truck due to the impact of the blast, the vehicle which was on its way to provide security to police workers toppled and fell into a ditch,” the official said while speaking to media at the blast site.

He said that a total of three vehicles were hit in the blast the police truck, a Suzuki Mehran and a Toyota Corolla. “Looking at the crime scene and given that the truck toppled, it is estimated that 25 kilograms of explosives were used in the blast.” Mahesar added that the wounded have been moved to the Civil Hospital Quetta. Meanwhile, Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo, in a statement, condemned the attack and instructed authorities to provide the injured persons best treatment facilities. He also promised that such “cowardly acts” would not dampen Balochistan’s determination to establish peace.

“All the elements involved in the incident will be brought under the grip of the law,” Bizenjo added. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the incident and directed authorities to initiate an investigation into the attack. He also said that polio workers across the country were fulfilling their responsibilities without caring about their lives. For this, he said, Pakistan paid tributes to their services. “Eliminating polio virus from the country is amongst the top priorities of the government and we will not rest until polio is completely eradicated,” PM Shehbaz vowed. PTI leader and former federal minister Asad Umar said that the Quetta blast was a reminder that the “brave sons of this nation are always ready to sacrifice their lives for our safety”. “May God raise the ranks of the martyrs and heal the injured,” he added.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-INP