A tragic bombing rocked Khuzdar, Balochistan, on Wednesday morning, when an explosive-laden vehicle rammed into a school bus, killing five people, including three children, and injuring several others. The attack, which occurred near Zero Point close to Rakhshan Hotel, targeted students traveling to a school within the military cantonment area.
According to local authorities, the blast was caused by over 30 kilograms of explosives, as confirmed by the Bomb Disposal Squad. Security forces swiftly cordoned off the area and initiated a thorough investigation to identify the perpetrators. Checkpoints were established, and patrols intensified across Khuzdar to prevent further incidents.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti addressed the nation in an emergency press conference, describing the attack as a “vile and inhumane act of terrorism.” He vowed that those responsible would face justice and suggested that external forces, allegedly backed by hostile neighbors, were attempting to destabilize the region. “This cowardly act targeted innocent children, exposing the true nature of our adversaries,” Bugti stated, joined by provincial ministers and lawmakers.
The military’s media wing condemned the attack, alleging that “foreign-sponsored elements” were behind the violence, targeting soft targets like children and civilians to sow fear and unrest. They emphasized their resolve to pursue and bring the perpetrators to justice, stating, “The armed forces, alongside the resilient people of Pakistan, will eradicate this menace in all its forms.”
Emergency Response and Condolences
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Quetta on an emergency visit to assess the situation. They are scheduled to receive a briefing on the attack and visit the injured victims to offer condolences. In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office denounced the bombing as a heinous act, with Sharif expressing profound grief over the loss of young lives and directing authorities to ensure immediate medical care for the injured.
President Asif Zardari labeled the attack a grave violation of human rights, extending his sympathies to the affected families. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi echoed these sentiments, expressing deep sorrow and pledging support to the bereaved.
International and Local Outrage
The international community also reacted with horror. The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad issued a statement condemning the attack, with Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker noting, “The targeting of children is an unimaginable tragedy. We stand with Pakistan in its fight against such violence.” The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) called the attack a violation of fundamental humanitarian principles, urging the government to address systemic security failures and pursue justice through lawful means.
The HRCP further emphasized the need for political dialogue to tackle underlying issues in Balochistan, including governance and resource allocation, to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The bombing has sparked widespread grief and outrage, with calls for unity and decisive action to ensure the safety of civilians, particularly children, in the region.
