On January 4, an explosion took place on a bus traveling from Karachi to Turbat, which killed at least five people and injured about 50 others, with three security personnel among the killed victims in the Balochistan province of Pakistan. According to information, 30 of the injured persons reportedly had minor injuries and were released from the hospital; a majority of them are also said to be from the security forces.
Though investigations are still on into the exact nature of the attack, preliminary reports said that it was a suicide bomb targeting the bus. The BLA – a banned terrorist outfit – has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The attack was also condemned by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who termed the attack a “heinous act of terror.” He promised that the perpetrators will be brought to justice. In turn, the Chief Minister of Balochistan, Sarfraz Bugti, said it is outrageous when such an attack targets the innocent people, adding, “The people who are behind this attack should not be considered as human.”.
The incident highlights a disturbing trend as Pakistan has seen an uptick in violence in recent months, especially in the Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. According to military reports, 383 soldiers and 925 militants have been killed in various clashes throughout 2024.
Balochistan is the largest and least populated province of Pakistan, with a long history of violent rebellion against the government. It is home to the ethnic Baloch minority, who have given their name to the region. Multiple militant groups, including the BLA, have sprung up in the region.
This latest attack comes after a string of violent incidents in the province. In November 2024, militants claimed responsibility for an attack at Quetta’s main railway station that killed at least 26 people, including 14 soldiers. In August last year, coordinated attacks by the BLA in the region killed at least 39 people.
