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QUETTA, (MANEND NEWS): Three security personnel were martyred
and 20 people were injured on Sunday morning when a suicide bomb
blast took place at an FC check post located at Mastung Road in
Quetta, Deputy Inspector General of Quetta police Azhar Akram
confirmed.
He said that 18 of the injured were security officials while two were
bystanders, adding that the number of casualties could rise.
The Balochistan Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) confirmed the
suicide attack had targeted the Sohana Khan FC checkpost at Mastung
Road. The banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed
responsibility for the attack.
According to the Counter-Terrorism Department Balochistan’s
spokesperson, the blast was a “suicide attack” and was carried out
near the Sona Khan Check Post.
The officer added that CTD personnel had reached the site of the
incident and an investigation had been launched. The area has been
cordoned off, the CTD official added.
According to security forces, the vehicle targeted in the incident was
providing security to vegetable sellers belonging to the Hazara
community.
Following the incident, security was enhanced in the area and the
province, including at the entry and exit routes of the district.
Prime Minister Imran Khan, in a tweet, condemned the Tehreek-e-
Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for the suicide attack. “My condolences go to
the families of the martyrs and prayers for the recovery of the injured.
Salute our security forces and their sacrifices to keep us safe by
thwarting foreign-backed terrorists’ designs,” he tweeted.
“Condemn the TTP suicide attack on FC checkpost, Mastung road,
Quetta. My condolences go to the families of the martyrs & prayers for
the recovery of the injured. Salute our security forces & their sacrifices
to keep us safe by thwarting foreign-backed terrorists’ designs” PM
Imran Khan tweeted.
Governor Balochistan Syed Zahoor Ahmad Agha expressed grief at the
deaths of the personnel and injuries to others in the terrorist attack.
Condemning the incident, he directed the law enforcement personnel
to utilise all possible resources to arrest the culprits.
The governor further said that the nation can defeat the ill designs of
the terrorists through national unity. He prayed for the martyred men
and for the early recovery of the injured.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Mian Muhammad
Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and expressed sympathy with
the victims. In a statement, Shehbaz Sharif said that the deterioration
of law and order was a cause of concern. He prayed for the departed
souls and patience for the families of the bereaved.
National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri also strongly
condemned the attack and expressed grief at the loss of lives in the
incident. He directed provision of every possible relief to the injured
and expressed sympathy with the affected families. Suri said the
elements involved in the blast were enemies of humanity and will be
dealt with strictly. He said that anti-Pakistan elements were
attempting to sabotage peace in the province, adding that they will not
succeed in their nefarious designs.
Federal Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari also held the outlawed
group responsible, condemning the attack in strong words.
“Condemnable TTP attack today on FC checkpost in Quetta today.
Condolences and prayers go to the families of the martyrs – our brave
security forces continue to thwart the designs of terrorists esp the
RAW-funded TTP,” she tweeted.
Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove too strongly
condemned the attack and asked authorities to submit a report in this
regard. “Security forces have given countless sacrifices in the war
against terrorism,” he said, adding that the war would continue until
total peace was achieved. “The whole nation is indebted to the
martyrs. We are fighting the terrorists with our full strength and will
continue to do so. These violent attacks will not lower the morale of
the forces,” he stressed.