The death toll from a suicide bombing near a public rally of the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) in Quetta has risen to 15, as authorities blamed the party for defying repeated warnings from the administration to postpone the gathering due to credible intelligence threats.
The blast occurred on Tuesday night in the parking lot of Shahwani Stadium, located along Sariab Road, where hundreds of BNP-M supporters had gathered to mark the death anniversary of veteran Baloch leader Sardar Attaullah Mengal. Dozens sustained injuries in the attack, which involved approximately eight kilograms (17.5 pounds) of explosives.
Addressing a press conference at the DIG office on Wednesday, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat confirmed that 15 people were killed and 32 others wounded in the incident.
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He stated that the explosion took place at around 9:45pm in a poorly lit area, roughly 500 metres from the rally’s exit point.
He praised the efforts of law enforcement personnel, noting that stringent security arrangements—particularly the deployment of 120 police officials—had prevented the suicide bomber from reaching the main crowd. “The security arrangements refrained the attacker from detonating the device in the main gathering,” he said.
Shafqaat added that the remains of the bomber, believed to be under 30 years of age, were found at the blast site.
The additional chief secretary revealed that the district administration had initially denied No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the event due to credible security threats. However, he said the permission was later granted under pressure from the organisers, with a strict condition that the rally should conclude by 3pm.
“The BNP-M leaders were repeatedly advised to postpone the rally and were clearly informed of threats,” Shafqaat stated. “They were also instructed to adhere strictly to the NOC timings, which they failed to follow.”
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Following the attack, Section 144 has been enforced across Balochistan until September 15, prohibiting public gatherings and processions, especially after sunset during the 12th of Rabi’ ul-Awwal, to ensure public safety. A province-wide high alert remains in place.
Quetta police have registered a case at the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) police station. The FIR includes charges of murder, attempted murder, terrorism, use of explosives, and other serious offences.
The provincial government has announced compensation of Rs1.5 million each for the families of those killed and Rs500,000 for each injured person. A high-level investigation team has also been formed to probe the incident and identify those responsible.
Meanwhile, the Islamic State (IS) group has claimed responsibility for the bombing through its official propaganda outlet.
This marks the second reported attempt on the life of BNP-M chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal. A previous attempt was made a few months ago in the Lak Pass area of Mastung district, where Mengal was leading a sit-in calling for the release of Baloch political prisoners, particularly members of the Baloch Yekjehti Committee.
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“We will not give in because of such cowardly attacks,” Mengal told party workers on Wednesday, vowing to continue his political struggle.
The BNP-M has vowed to press on with its movement for the political and democratic rights of the Baloch people. Political parties including Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), and National Party condemned the attack and announced three-day mourning.
