Daily Times

There is blood in Balochistan. The early Saturday morning suicide blast at Quetta Railway Station has left the nation in shock and grief. Precious 26 lives have been lost and over 60 injured. It has become an increasingly ritualistic to condemn ‘senseless act of violence’. Now is the time to highlight security lapses in high-risk areas. The railway station attack was claimed by the banned Baloch Liberation Army’s ‘Majid Brigade’. The bomber went off at crowded platform at a time when security personnel and civilians were present in large numbers.

TV channels without caring for editorial jurisdiction continued airing horrifying scenes of the explosion-hit station. They showed blood, cries for help and scattered belongings. The blast was powerful enough to damage the metal roof of the platform and partially impact the station’s building. The main targets were the soldiers returning home after completing a training course. The bombing, executed close to the scheduled departure of the Jaffar Express, inflicted maximum harm.

The government has confirmed the suicide nature of the attack. Initial investigations suggest the bomber carried six to seven kilogrammes of explosives and ball bearings. It is believed that the attacker entered through one of the station’s less secure points. Checks such as walk-through gates and manned entry points at the railway station were bypassed. These are the vulnerabilities that terrorist groups are exploiting. The Railway Police said multiple entry points pose security difficulties. Although the Quetta Railway Station falls under the jurisdiction of railway police, the importance of tighter, more comprehensive security cannot be overstated at a time when the province is experiencing ongoing instability. The Balochistan government was quick to acknowledge the province’s security challenges. However, no specific warning about an attack on the railway station had been issued.

Leaders from across Pakistan, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, have issued statements to condemn the atrocity stating that those targeting innocent civilians deserve no mercy. They also assured that the government and security forces remain committed to eradicating terrorism, declaring that those responsible will face severe consequences. Enough of ritualistic, oft-repeated statements. The government should speak with actions, rather than words. The government needs to understand that the persistent threat of terrorism can be tackled with meaningful strategy, not simple statements. *