Suicide Attack in Pakistan’s Balochistan Kills 11, Injures 29

Kokcha News Agency – A suicide bombing targeted a political gathering in Quetta, Balochistan, on Tuesday evening, killing at least 11 people and injuring 29 others. The event was organized by the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) to commemorate the death anniversary of Sardar Ataullah Mengal, a prominent nationalist leader and former minister of the province.

Local official Hamza Shafiq confirmed that the explosion took place during the gathering, which was attended by party members and supporters. The injured were rushed to the Quetta Civil Hospital, where medical teams are providing treatment.

A spokesperson for Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department stated that the explosion “appears to be a suicide attack.” Investigative teams are currently at the scene collecting evidence to determine the exact nature of the attack and identify those responsible.

Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terrorist attacks since 2021, particularly in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. According to a report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, 78 attacks occurred in Pakistan in June alone, resulting in approximately 100 deaths. Among the victims were 53 security personnel, 39 civilians, six militants, and two members of local peace committees. Additionally, 189 people, including 126 security forces and 63 civilians, were injured in these attacks.

Pakistani authorities have pointed to the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan as a contributing factor to the rise in terrorism. The Pakistani military has accused the Afghan Taliban of harboring and supporting Baloch separatists and the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), which has led to increased violence in the region.