Pakistan: Explosion in Quetta kills 16, including two children
16 people, including two children, were killed in a bombing in Pakistan's Quetta region on Friday, local media reports said. The bomb exploded at a fruit and vegetable market near Quetta's Hazarganji. At least 30 people are said to have been injured. Security officials rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area. The injured were shifted to Bolan Medical Complex. Here's more.
IED was hidden among vegetables, said senior police official
According to DIG Quetta, Abdul Razaq Cheema the incident occurred around 7:35 AM. The blast was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED), which was hidden among vegetables, he explained. Four security personnel and eight people, who belonged to Hazara community, were among those who died. An investigation is underway and officials have collected samples from the spot, claimed reports.
Medical emergency has been declared across hospitals
A medical emergency was declared in all hospitals of Quetta. Sources at Bolan Medical Complex reportedly said injured were in serious condition and feared that the casualty count could go up. People have been asked to donate blood. Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, is suffering from an insurgency. The rebels want greater autonomy for the region. No group claimed responsibility for the attack.
Imran Khan condemned the attack, sought a report
Reportedly, the buildings surrounding the spot were also affected. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan condemned the attack and sought a report from concerned authorities. Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal added that the attack was planned to sabotage the peaceful atmosphere in the region. While expressing solidarity towards the victims, he said that the perpetrators are heinous criminals who don't deserve mercy.
