QILA ABDULLAH, BALOCHISTAN — At least two people were killed and 11 others injured after a powerful explosion tore through a bustling market in Balochistan’s Qila Abdullah district on Sunday evening, local officials confirmed.
Deputy Commissioner Qila Abdullah, Riyaz Khan, told the media that preliminary investigations indicate the explosive device was planted in a vehicle. He said law enforcement agencies and the bomb disposal squad were dispatched to the site immediately, and an investigation is currently underway.
“In light of the incident, an emergency was declared at the District Health Headquarters in Qila Abdullah, where medical aid is being provided to the injured,” DC Khan added.
Providing further details, Risaldar Gulab Khan of the Qila Abdullah Levies told the media that the blast occurred near the Abdul Jabbar Market in the Gulistan area. He confirmed the death toll and number of injured, noting that the Levies personnel and residents quickly responded to rescue efforts. The injured were subsequently transferred to the District Health Headquarters in Chaman for treatment.
Security forces have cordoned off the area, and forensic teams have begun collecting evidence from the scene to aid the investigation.
The incident comes amid a deteriorating security climate in Balochistan, where militant violence has escalated in recent months. The outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which has been waging a low-intensity insurgency, has intensified its campaign by employing more lethal tactics aimed at maximising casualties and directly targeting security forces.
In a particularly deadly incident in March, militants hijacked the Jaffar Express near Balochistan’s Sibi district, resulting in the deaths of 26 hostages, including 18 security personnel. An additional five security officers were martyred during the subsequent rescue operation.
Authorities have vowed to enhance security measures in the region and bring those responsible for the latest attack to justice.
Note: This news is a developing story.