Italian Media: Suicide Attack at Quetta Railway Station in Balochistan Province; Pakistan Establishes Special "Hydropower Security Force"
As Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visits China and Islamabad continues to play the role of mediator between the United States and Iran, Pakistan is facing increasingly severe internal unrest. Analysts point out that the suicide attack on a train in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan Province, confirms the growing strength of armed insurgent groups and the difficulties faced by the government in maintaining security. Beijing has also called on Pakistan to establish a special forces unit.
Quetta (Asia News) – While Islamabad strives to resolve conflicts in other countries, it is simultaneously struggling to contain its own internal strife. Two days ago, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in China, continuing his role as mediator in the U.S.-Iran conflict.
Yet Pakistan must also confront escalating internal instability. Yesterday, a suicide bombing occurred on a train in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, killing at least 24 people and injuring over 70, mostly civilians. A separatist group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Sharif has arrived in Hangzhou for a four-day visit, during which he will meet with Chinese foreign policy leaders. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, is expected to visit Iran today.
At home, two ongoing armed rebellions continue to undermine national stability: On one hand, the Pakistani Taliban Movement (TTP) remains active in regions bordering Afghanistan; on the other, separatist armed struggles in Balochistan have become increasingly complex and widespread in scale.
Shortly after 8 a.m. yesterday, an explosion occurred near Chaman Patok in Quetta. At the time, a train was traveling from Quetta Cantonment—a military-controlled area—to the central railway station. According to local authorities, a vehicle loaded with explosives collided with the train, triggering a massive blast that derailed multiple carriages, set nearby vehicles ablaze, and damaged several buildings. Victims included civilians, security personnel, and a family of four—father, mother, and two children.
Images circulating on social media show overturned train cars, burned-out vehicles, and thick black smoke rising above the city. Witnesses described scenes of panic: “After hearing the explosion, my whole family jumped off the bed. We could hear women and children screaming and crying everywhere,” said local resident Muhammad Rahim to AFP. Another eyewitness, Abdul Baset, reported: “People immediately started running around seeking cover.”
The Balochistan provincial government has declared a state of emergency at Quetta’s main hospital and summoned doctors and medical staff to treat the injured. Security forces have cordoned off the area, and police, anti-terrorism units, and bomb disposal experts have launched investigations.
Provincial government spokesperson Shahid Rind denounced the attack as a “cowardly act against innocent civilians” and stated that “terrorists aimed to disrupt peace in Balochistan.” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack and pledged to continue fighting “all forms of terrorism.”
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for this attack. The group is the region’s leading separatist militant organization, having waged a decades-long guerrilla war against the Pakistani government. The area is rich in natural gas and mineral resources and includes the Gwadar deep-water port.
Military analysts believe the current crisis in Balochistan represents the most serious challenge the region has faced in recent years. Ongoing attacks targeting the mining sector, roadblocks, and acts of sabotage indicate that militia groups are gaining strength—evidence already confirmed by last year’s Jafran Express attack. Many fear similar scenarios could unfold again in northwestern regions, where the TTP has re-escalated its attacks.
Source: Asia News
Author: Shafique Khokhar
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866240803609628/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.