Blast at Quetta railway station in Balochistan kills 20, injures over 30

Balochistan (The Uttam Hindu): A bomb explosion at Quetta's railway station in Balochistan, Pakistan, on Saturday killed at least 20 people and left 30 others injured, according to media reports. Preliminary information suggests that the explosion occurred near the booking office of the railway station, just before the scheduled arrival of the Jaffer Express, which was set to depart for Peshawar at 9 am.

Railway officials confirmed that the train had not yet arrived at the platform when the blast took place. Due to the usual heavy crowd at the station, the explosion resulted in a significant number of casualties, with officials expressing concern about the scale of the damage. The area near the booking office is typically bustling with passengers, raising the risk of even more casualties in the event of such an attack.

Authorities have yet to confirm the exact cause of the explosion, but initial reports suggest it could have been a suicide bombing, though an official statement is awaited. The investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement agencies working to determine the nature of the attack.

The blast has raised serious concerns about security at railway stations in the region, especially with the presence of large numbers of passengers in busy areas. The attack comes amid heightened security challenges in Balochistan, where separatist movements and extremist groups are active. Local authorities are focusing on identifying the perpetrators and preventing further attacks.

As rescue operations continue, the injured have been rushed to nearby hospitals, and efforts are underway to clear the area. Local officials and security agencies are working together to provide support and address the situation, with updates expected as investigations unfold.