QUETTA: At least 15 people were killed and 72 others injured in Tuesday’s attack on a Balochistan National Party (BNP) rally in Quetta, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Balochistan Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat told reporters that 23 of the injured remain in critical condition. He said the blast occurred about 500 meters from Shahwani Stadium and nearly 45 minutes after the BNP rally had concluded.
The provincial government has announced financial assistance for victims: Rs1.5 million for the families of the deceased, Rs500,000 for the severely injured, and Rs200,000 for those with minor injuries.
Shafqaat noted that BNP organizers had been asked thrice to end the rally earlier but the event continued until late. He said 112 security personnel had been deployed around the venue, adding that the attack took place away from the main gathering point.
He stressed that investigations are underway to trace those responsible, describing the incident as part of attempts by “enemy elements” to destabilize Pakistan. He also revealed that 22 active threat alerts currently exist across Balochistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, calling it “evidence of a nefarious conspiracy” to spread chaos in the province.
