Desk: A powerful explosion rocked Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province on Sunday evening, killing at least two people and injuring 11 others. The blast occurred near Abdul Jabbar Market in the Gulistan area of Killa Abdullah district.
According to Deputy Commissioner Riaz Khan, preliminary investigations suggest that explosives were planted in a vehicle. Bomb Disposal Squad personnel and security forces rushed to the scene and launched a full-scale investigation. Emergency was declared at the District Health Headquarters immediately after the blast, where the injured were being given first aid.
As reported by Dawn, Levies Force official Risaldar Gulab Khan said, “Following the explosion, nearby Levies personnel and civilians rushed to rescue the injured and transported them to the District Health Headquarters in Chaman for treatment.” Evidence has been collected from the site and authorities have begun a formal inquiry.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti condemned the attack in strong terms and extended condolences to the grieving families. “The fight against terrorism is essentially a fight for national security,” he stated. “This battle will continue until the last terrorist is eliminated.”
Bugti further asserted that those behind the Gulistan blast will be brought to justice swiftly. Meanwhile, Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said, “Security forces are present at the site. The area has been cordoned off and evidence is being gathered. The state is utilizing every possible resource to protect its citizens.”
It is worth noting that Balochistan’s security situation has been deteriorating steadily in recent months. Armed insurgents, active under a long-running separatist movement, are now conducting more lethal and coordinated attacks. Notably, the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has shifted to newer tactics that directly target security personnel.
In March, 26 hostages — including 18 security personnel — were executed after the Jaffar Express train was hijacked in Sibi district. Five additional personnel were martyred in the rescue operation. The surge in violence continues to pose a serious challenge to the government and security apparatus.
In another incident, four soldiers were killed on Saturday evening when gunmen attacked a security checkpoint along the strategically important China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) route in Khuzdar’s Nal area. A police official reported that the masked assailants fled after the assault. Although no group has claimed responsibility yet, security agencies suspect the BLA’s involvement in the ambush.