At least 13 people were killed and around 30 others injured after a suicide bombing outside a stadium in southwestern Pakistan on Tuesday evening.
The attack occurred on the outskirts of Quetta, Balochistan, as supporters of the Balochistan National Party (BNP) were leaving a political rally. According to police reports, several of the wounded remain in critical condition, AP reported.
Political Leader Survives Attack
BNP leader Akhtar Mengal escaped unharmed, though a number of his supporters were killed or injured. Senior police officer Usama Ameen confirmed the casualties.
The rally had been organized to mark the anniversary of the death of Sardar Ataullah Mengal, a veteran nationalist leader and former provincial chief minister, widely known for his criticism of the government and demands for the release of missing Baloch nationalists.
Condemnations from Pakistani Officials
Balochistan’s Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti condemned the bombing as a “cowardly act by the enemies of humanity.” He ordered maximum medical care for the injured and launched a high-level investigation to bring those responsible to justice.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also condemned the attack, accusing “India-backed terrorists and their facilitators” of trying to destabilize the country by targeting civilians.
The Pakistani government and Bugti have frequently accused India of supporting Pakistani Taliban and Baloch separatists—allegations that New Delhi has consistently denied.
