7 killed bomb blast in Balochistan including school children

A devastating bomb blast occurred on Friday in the Mastung district of Balochistan, Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals, including five schoolchildren. Local authorities report that the explosion was caused by a powerful bomb attached to a motorcycle, which detonated near a police vehicle at approximately 8:35 AM near a school close to Civil Hospital Chowk. The attack also claimed the life of a police officer and a passerby, while at least 22 others sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

The area has a history of violence, largely attributed to ongoing insurgency movements by separatist groups, particularly the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which has been known to target security forces and civilians alike. While no group has yet claimed responsibility for this latest attack, suspicions are directed toward these separatist factions, which have intensified their operations in recent months. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti have condemned the attack, vowing to continue the fight against insurgents until stability is restored in the province.

In the immediate aftermath of the explosion, the provincial health department declared a state of emergency in all hospitals in Quetta, preparing for an influx of casualties. Medical staff, including doctors, pharmacists, and nurses, were summoned to provide immediate care to the injured. Eyewitness accounts detail the chaos following the blast, with local residents describing a scene of destruction as emergency responders worked to evacuate the injured and assess the damage.

Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province, has long been a hotspot for violence and unrest, largely driven by ethnic tensions and demands for greater autonomy from the central government. The BLA, among other groups, has launched numerous attacks against government installations and security personnel, contributing to an unstable security environment. This recent incident is a stark reminder of the precarious situation in the region, where both civilians and law enforcement are frequently caught in the crossfire.

As the investigation into the bombing unfolds, local officials have heightened security measures and are urging citizens to remain vigilant. The tragic loss of life, particularly among children, has prompted widespread outrage and calls for enhanced protective measures for vulnerable populations. Furthermore, this incident raises critical questions about the effectiveness of security protocols in a region plagued by persistent threats.

In response to the attack, one Pakistani hotel chain, Avari, has issued directives for ensuring the safety of Chinese guests, mandating that transportation must be arranged via bomb-proof vehicles and with strict security protocols in place. The Chinese government has previously expressed concerns over the safety of its nationals in Pakistan, particularly in light of the ongoing violence that has recently escalated.