QUETTA: Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Balochistan, Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat, confirmed on Wednesday that at least 15 people lost their lives and 72 others were injured in Tuesday’s attack on a Balochistan National Party (BNP) rally in Quetta.
The political gathering was held at Shahwani Stadium. Shafqaat told reporters that 23 of the injured are in critical condition.
He said Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has announced financial assistance of Rs1.5 million for each victim’s family, Rs500,000 for those severely injured, and Rs200,000 for those with minor injuries.
According to him, the explosion occurred approximately 500 meters from the rally site, roughly 45 minutes after the event had concluded.
He added that strict security measures had been taken, with 112 personnel deployed for the rally.
Shafqaat mentioned that BNP organizers had been advised three times to wrap up the gathering earlier, but it continued until late.
“The attack happened away from the main venue. Investigations are underway, and those responsible will be identified,” he said.
He further stated that “enemy elements want to destabilize Pakistan after their defeat in Marka-e-Haq,” pointing out that there are nearly 22 active threat alerts in Balochistan at present.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif condemned the blast, calling it “damning evidence of a nefarious conspiracy by terrorists to spread chaos in Balochistan.”