At least three personnel of the Balochistan Constabulary (BC) lost their lives, and 20 others were injured in a bomb attack targeting a police bus on Dasht Road, Mastung district, approximately 35km south of Quetta, on Tuesday.
The incident occurred as the bus transported a BC contingent of 35 personnel from Kalat police lines to provide security for the ongoing sit-in held by the Balochistan National Party-Mengal in the Lakpass area of Mastung. A powerful explosion severely damaged the bus, claiming the lives of three officers on the spot and leaving 20 others injured. Emergency responders and law enforcement quickly secured the area, transporting the injured and deceased to Nawab Raisani Memorial Hospital in Mastung.
Read more: Suicide attack on BNP-M sit-in at Lak pass, Mastung
“We have received three bodies and 20 injured personnel,” confirmed a hospital spokesperson, noting that two critically injured individuals would be transferred to Quetta’s Civil Hospital trauma center for further treatment.
According to the police, the attack was carried out using explosives planted on a motorcycle, detonated remotely as the bus passed through the Kund Masoori area on Dasht Road. The bomb disposal squad confirmed this after examining the site and collecting evidence. While no group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, the banned group BRAS had earlier claimed responsibility for a separate attack on an FC and levies camp in the Noshki district.
Shahid Rind, spokesman for the Balochistan government, strongly condemned the attack, stating that the BC officers were targeted while en route to ensure security at the BNP-M sit-in. He assured that all injured were swiftly shifted for treatment, with those in serious condition receiving advanced care in Quetta. Authorities have commenced a detailed investigation and requested a comprehensive report on the attack.
National leaders expressed their condolences and pledged action. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif mourned the loss of the officers and prayed for the injured’s recovery. President Zardari vowed to continue the fight against terrorism, while PM Shehbaz declared the nation would overcome terrorist threats. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti also expressed solidarity with the families of the victims, stating, “Those involved in this heinous act do not deserve any leniency.”
