LAHORE: At least six people were killed and 20 others were injured in a suicide attack near Balochistan Assembly on Zarghon Road, Quetta on Tuesday evening.
According to police, a suicide bomber rammed into a parked police bus killing four policemen and two passers-by.
The injured have been shifted to Civil Hospital Quetta where an emergency has been declared.
According to the hospital sources, some of the injured persons got critical injuries.
Security forces have cordoned off the area and a rescue operation is underway.
The banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan reportedly has claimed the responsibility for the attack.
The incident took place at a time when a session of the Balochistan Assembly attended by almost all its members had just concluded. Several media persons were already there to attend the assembly’s session.
Moreover, thousands of security personnel were already deployed at Zarghoon’s road following the security arrangements for the session.
Quetta has been the target of terrorist attacks for the past many years. last month, when the Christian community was busy in preparations for Christmas, a terrorist attack on a church in Quetta had left them traumatized. At least nine people were killed and 56 were injured in the attack.
Condemnations
Prime Minister Shahid khaqan Abbasi strongly condemns the attack, a statement issued by PM house said.
Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz president Nawaz Sharif offered his sympathies to the families of the victims and prayed for those who were killed in the incident. His daughter Maryam Nawaz took to Twitter to condemn the attack.
Tragic news from Quetta. May Allah have mercy on the dead & injured & their families. Allah Pakistan ki khair kerna. Ameen.
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) January 9, 2018
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari has also condemned the attack saying the martyred policemen were the heroes of the nation.
Former President @AAliZardari condemns terror attack in #Quetta https://t.co/Zb8Uqs7VyS
— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) January 9, 2018
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Jehnagir Khan Tareen also expressed grave concerns over the casualties.
Strongly condemn by the horrific bomb blast outside Balochistan Assembly, resulting in invaluable life loss. May Allah give patience to the families of deceased & quick recovery to those who're injured.
— Jahangir Khan Tareen (@JahangirKTareen) January 9, 2018
Former Balochistan home minister Sarfraz Bugti tweeted that the ‘terrorist attack” was an attempt to portray Balochistan negatively amidst Cheif Minister Nawaz Sanaullah Zehri’s resignation.
The latest terror attack in #Quetta by terrorists is an attempt to portray #Balochistan negatively amidst Chief Minister's resignation. Fight against terrorism will continue despite the change of government in the province. #Pakistan
— Sarfraz Bugti (@PakSarfrazbugti) January 9, 2018