Suicide blast on Pakistani train kills at least 23, injures dozens

(SeaPRwire) –   A suicide bomber targeted a passenger train in Pakistan on Sunday morning, resulting in at least 23 fatalities and approximately 70 injuries, according to The Associated Press (AP).

The attack occurred in Quetta, the capital of the southwestern Balochistan province. An explosives-laden vehicle detonated near a railway line as a passenger train passed, causing two train cars to overturn and catch fire. This region has a history of low-level but persistent insurgency involving separatist and militant groups.

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a militant separatist group advocating for the province’s secession from Pakistan, has reportedly claimed responsibility, stating their target was a train carrying security personnel.

The Times of India reported that the train was carrying army personnel and their families traveling from Quetta to Peshawar for the Eid holidays. AP reported more generally that the BLA claimed to have targeted a train carrying security personnel. The area is also known for a significant security presence.

The blast reportedly sent shockwaves throughout the vicinity.

Witness accounts and social media images indicate that the force of the explosion caused two train cars to overturn and ignite, producing thick black smoke. Nearby buildings sustained significant damage, and over a dozen parked vehicles were affected, according to The AP.

Several victims were reportedly taken to local hospitals. Doctors cited by The AP indicated that approximately 20 of the wounded were in critical condition.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack, labeling it a “cowardly act of terrorism” and vowing that those responsible would be brought to justice.

“I strongly condemn the heinous bomb explosion near Chaman Phatak, Quetta, which has resulted in the tragic loss of innocent lives and left many others injured. Such cowardly acts of terrorism cannot weaken the resolve of the people of Pakistan. We remain steadfast in our determination to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” he stated.

“I express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and pray for the swift recovery of the injured. The entire nation stands in solidarity with the people of Balochistan in this hour of grief.”

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti alleged that the group is supported by Indian-sponsored proxies aiming to destabilize Pakistan. India has consistently denied such accusations, despite the long-standing territorial dispute between the two countries over Kashmir.

“The terrorists of Fitna Al-Hindustan are proving their savagery by targeting innocent civilians, women, and children,” Bugti said, characterizing the group as “evil originating from India.”

“Those who shed the blood of innocent people deserve no leniency. Let the enemy hear this: there will be no safe haven left for terrorists in Balochistan. We will hunt down the terrorists, their facilitators, and their masterminds one by one and bring them to justice, and this war will continue until the last terrorist is eliminated.”

According to The Times of India, the BLA has increasingly conducted large-scale suicide operations targeting Pakistani security forces and infrastructure in Quetta.

In 2024, a suicide bombing at a train station in Balochistan resulted in the deaths of at least 26 people, including soldiers.