Islamabad, May 24: A tragic suicide attack occurred on a railway track in Pakistan’s troubled Balochistan province on Sunday, resulting in multiple fatalities. According to the state-run news agency APP, the shuttle train was en route from Quetta Cant to the railway station when it was targeted near the Chaman Gate around 8 AM.
Immediately following the explosion, the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility, stating that it was a “fidayeen” or suicide attack aimed at Pakistani military personnel.
In its statement, the BLA asserted that its Majid Brigade, identified as the group’s suicide unit, executed a “well-planned” assault. The attack reportedly targeted a train transporting military personnel from Quetta Cant.
The BLA stated, “This morning (May 24), the Baloch Liberation Army’s fidayeen unit, Majid Brigade, targeted a train carrying military personnel from Quetta Cant in an extremely organized suicide attack. The BLA takes full responsibility for this operation. Detailed information regarding the operation, as well as the physical and human losses inflicted on the enemy, will be released in an official statement soon.”
However, the government and local media have refrained from labeling the incident as a suicide attack. Pakistan Railways confirmed the explosion and stated that rescue trucks and a relief train were dispatched to the scene. According to reports from Dawn, the blast was so powerful that three carriages, including the engine, derailed, while two others overturned.
Security forces have cordoned off the area and initiated a rescue operation. Rail Minister Hanif Abbasi condemned the attack, calling it a cowardly act of terrorism, and asserted that it would not weaken the nation’s resolve against terrorism. He also attributed some blame to neighboring countries.
He instructed relevant authorities to report on the incident immediately and emphasized that operations within Pakistan Railways would continue without interruption.
Meanwhile, Geo News reported that, as a precaution, the Jafar Express heading to Peshawar was halted at Quetta railway station following the explosion.
A spokesperson for the Interior Minister, Babar Yousafzai, stated that all relevant institutions have been placed on high alert after the explosion in the city. He urged the public to avoid gathering near the incident site for safety reasons, allowing emergency teams to carry out their work without obstruction.
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