ISLAMABAD: Federal minister Syed Khurshid Shah on Monday said the bombing in Quetta that claimed at least 84 lives was a failure of the intelligence agencies, DawnNews reported.

Speaking to media representatives in Islamabad, the minister who is also the Pakistan People’s Party’s chief whip, said with the latest attack, terrorists had even challenged governor rule in Balochistan.

Shah added both Frontier Corps (FC) and the Rangers operated under the military's command, adding that bringing the army in would not resolve the issue.

The minister said the system in the province would have to be made efficient in order to prevent such tragedies from taking place.

Regarding the Muttahida Qaumi Movement's parting from the Sindh government, Shah said the MQM wanted to give the impression that it was in the opposition. He said the MQM was free to whether sit in government or join the opposition.

Responding to a question, the minister said the scenario of having elections for three provincial assemblies in one day and the Punjab Assembly on another was not an option. Shah added that if that was to happen, it would harm the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N).