A bombing at Quetta’s Shahwani Stadium on Tuesday night claimed at least 13 lives and injured 35 others. The blast occurred in the parking area shortly after the conclusion of a public meeting organized by the Balochistan National Party (BNP-Mengal) to mark the death anniversary of the late Sardar Attaullah Mengal.
BNP President and National Assembly member Sardar Akhtar Mengal, who presided over the gathering, escaped unharmed. The explosion took place about 15 minutes after the event ended, as Mengal was leaving for home. Other prominent political leaders, including PkMAP Chairman Mehmood Khan Achakzai, ANP’s Asghar Khan Achakzai, and National Party’s former senator Mir Kabeer Muhammad Shai, were also unharmed. However, former BNP MPA Mir Ahmed Nawaz Baloch and the party’s central labor secretary Musa Jan were among those injured.
Following the blast, police and law enforcement agencies cordoned off the area, and emergency protocols were quickly activated at Civil and BMC hospitals. Medical teams were called in to handle the influx of casualties. Dr. Wasim Baig confirmed that 13 bodies and 35 injured patients were received, with several victims in critical condition. Additional Chief Secretary Home Hamza Shafqaat initially reported 11 fatalities but warned that the death toll could rise due to the severity of injuries.
Security officials confirmed it was a suicide attack. The bomber reportedly detonated an explosive vest in the stadium’s parking area as attendees were leaving. Senior police officer Athar Rasheed and CTD spokesperson classified the incident as a suicide bombing. The explosion damaged six vehicles, including bulletproof cars used by the attending politicians. Mir Kabeer Muhammad Shai’s bulletproof vehicle shielded him from harm.
Hospital authorities identified the victims as Muhammad Ishaq, Najeebullah, Shan, Muhammad Hanif, advocate Madad Khan, Waqir Ahmed, Hafeez, Abdul Nabi, Nasarullah, Allah Bakhsh, Najeeb Ullah (son of Asadullah), Allah Bakhsh, and Muhammad Waqar.
The Home Department has launched a high-level investigation into the attack, with authorities collecting evidence from the scene. As of late Tuesday night, no group had claimed responsibility for the bombing.
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti condemned the attack, calling it a cowardly act against humanity that endangered innocent lives. He directed authorities to provide the best possible medical care for the victims, formed an investigation committee, and ordered security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators immediately. Governor Jaafar Khan Mandokhail also denounced the bombing, stressing that targeting civilians is unacceptable and urging a united effort to combat terrorism.
