No group has yet claimed responsibility for the bomb blast near the Balochistan National Party (BNP) public rally in Quetta on Tuesday evening. The attack resulted in at least 14 fatalities and injured 35 others, according to officials at Quetta Civil Hospital.
The explosion occurred in the car parking area of Shahwani Stadium on Sariab Road shortly after a ceremony marking the fourth anniversary of Sardar Attaullah Mengal had concluded. The blast took place as party workers were leaving the venue.
Party spokesman Ghulam Nabi Mari confirmed that BNP leader Sardar Akhtar Mengal, Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Aain Pakistan head Mahmood Khan Achakzai, and other senior party figures had already departed the rally before the explosion. Akhtar Mengal later confirmed his safety via a message on social media platform X, stating, “Alhamdulillah, I am safe.”
The provincial government has initiated an investigation into the incident. Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti condemned the attack, describing it as a “cowardly act against humanity.”
It is notable that on March 29, 2025, another bombing occurred during a BNP long march from Wadh to Quetta. Near Mastung, a suicide bomber detonated himself, although Akhtar Mengal and other leaders remained unharmed.
Government sources report that Akhtar Mengal had been formally warned against holding the rally due to credible security threats, with explicit instructions to conclude this gathering by 6 PM. Despite this, the rally reportedly began at 6 PM.
Section 144 is imposed in Balochistan from August 1st due to prevailing security concerns in the province.
Authorities have cautioned that terrorists affiliated with banned groups such as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) exploit public gatherings and processions to infiltrate crowds and carry out attacks. Security measures in Balochistan have been significantly tightened in response.
A credible source said that despite repeated warnings, Akhtar Mengal proceeded with the march and rally, thereby endangering the lives of party workers and the general public for political objectives.
During the 29-march protest, Akhtar Mengal made controversial remarks, including stating he prays for the terrorists of the BLA, which drew widespread criticism on social media.
Officials have raised questions about why no terrorist group has claimed responsibility for attacks targeting Akhtar Mengal. These developments have sparked speculation about possible connections between Akhtar Mengal and banned militant organizations, with some suggesting that he may be leveraging such incidents for political gain.
It is also important to mention that Javed Mengal, Akhtar Mengal’s brother, is the head of Lashkar-e-Balochistan, a banned terrorist organization.
