The death toll from a suicide bombing near a public rally by Balochistan National Party-Mengal (GDP-M) in Quetta has risen to 15 as authorities accused the party of teasing repeated warnings from the administration to postpone the collection due to credible intelligence threats.
The blasting took place on Tuesday night in the parking lot at Shahwani Stadium, located along Sariab Road, where hundreds of GDP-M supporters had gathered to mark the year of death for veteran Baloch leader Sardar Attaullah Mengal. Dozens were caused by damage to the attack, which involved approximately eight kg (17.5 pounds) explosives.
By tackling a press conference on the you office on Wednesday, additional chief secretary (home) confirmed Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat that 15 people were killed and 32 others wounded in the incident.
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He said the explosion took place around 1 p.m. 21.45 in a poorly lit area, approx. 500 meters from the rally’s starting point.
He praised the efforts of the law enforcement staff and noted that strict security schemes – especially the deployment of 120 police officers – prevented the suicide bomber from reaching the main volume. “The security arrangements kept the striker from detonating the unit in the main collection,” he said.
Shafqaat added that the remains of bombers assumed to be under 30 were found at the explosion site.
The additional chief secretary revealed that the district administration had initially not denied any objection to Certificate (NOC) for the event due to credible security threats. However, he said that the permit was later awarded under pressure from the organizers with a strict condition that the rally was to end at. 15.00.
“The GDP-M leaders were repeatedly advised to postpone the rally and were clearly informed of threats,” Shafqaat said. “They were also asked to comply with the NOC hours strictly, which they failed to follow.”
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After the attack, section 144 has been enforced over Balochistan until September 15, which prohibits public gatherings and processions, especially after sunset during the 12th of Rabi ‘Ul-Awwal, to ensure public security. A provincial high alarm remains in place.
The Quetta police have registered a case at the Police Police Station for Terrorism (CTD). FIR includes charges of murder, murder attempts, terrorism, use of explosives and other serious offenses.
The provincial government has announced compensation of RS1.5 million individually for the families of the killed and RS500,000 for each wounded person. A high -level study team is also formed to investigate the incident and identify those responsible.
Meanwhile, the Islamic State (IS) group has assumed responsibility for the bombing through its official propaganda output.
This marks the second reported attempt at the life of the GDP M chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal. An earlier attempt was made a few months ago in the LAK Pass area of the Mastung District, where Mengal led a sit-in that called for the release of Baloch-political prisoners, especially members of the Baloch YekjeTi Committee.
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“We will not give in because of such Feige attacks,” Mengal told party workers on Wednesday, promising to continue his political struggle.
GDP-M has promised to push with its movement for the political and democratic rights of the Baloch people. Political parties, including Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP), and the National Party condemned the attack and announced three-day grief.
