A deadly suicide bombing struck outside Quetta’s Shahwani Stadium on Tuesday night, killing at least 11 people and injuring 30 others. The attack targeted a political gathering held by the Balochistan National Party (BNP-Mengal) to mark the fourth death anniversary of its founder, Sardar Ataullah Mengal. The explosion occurred just as key leaders, including Sardar Akhtar Mengal and Mahmood Khan Achakzai, were exiting the venue.
According to hospital sources, the number of casualties is feared to rise, with at least six of the wounded reported to be in critical condition. In response, Balochistan’s Chief Minister has issued orders for an emergency airlift of the most seriously injured to hospitals in Karachi using air ambulances. Provincial Health Minister visited the Civil Hospital Quetta, which continues to receive an influx of victims.
The victims were predominantly party workers. Among those killed were Nawab Niaz Ahmad Zehri’s gunmen, Shan and Allah Baksh, from Jhal Magsi district, and workers Ehsan and Haji Ishaq from the Noshki unit. Lawyer Muddassir Khan was among the injured. Graphic images purportedly of the attacker’s remains have been circulated on social media.
As of now, no terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack. This incident marks the second time in three months that the BNP-Mengal has been targeted, following a failed suicide attack on a protest led by Sardar Akhtar Mengal in the Kuchlak area. The attack has heightened concerns over the security of political activities in the region.
