QUETTA: At least four people were killed and 21 others injured in two attacks targeting the police in Quetta on Monday.

In the first attack, a blast took place in a busy market, killing four people and injuring 18.

According to police, the target of the attack was SP Investigation Naseer Shah of Quetta police whose vehicle was parked at the Kandahari Bazaar. The SP was not in the vehicle at the time of the attack.

Unidentified men left an explosive-laden motorcycle behind the vehicle parked in front of the Bukhari Currency Exchange Centre.

A few minutes later, a powerful explosion ripped through the market, killing two constables, part of the SP’s security detail, and two passersby.

SP, SHO survive attacks in Kandahari Bazaar, Sariab Road

The deceased and the injured were moved to Civil Hospital. Hospital officials confirmed receiving four bodies and 18 injured, three of whom were critical.

The heavy explosion also damaged four vehicles and several motorcycles, while the windows of nearby shops and buildings were also shattered.

Quetta’s SSP Operations Zohaib Mohsin Baloch said around five kilograms of explosive was used for the blast which appeared to be detonated with the help of a remote control.

The four victims were identified as Shamim Abbasi, Mohammad Shoaib, Hakmitullah and 12-year-old Kalsoom Bibi.

The banned Baloch Liberation Army has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The second attack took place on Munir Mengal Road in Quetta’s Sar­iab area, leaving three people wounded.

Officials said the target was the Station House Officer of Sariab police station who was patrolling the area. He survived the attack.

The bomb, planted on the roadside, went off near the vehicle carrying SHO Ehsanullah Marwat and the police party.

The attack left the vehicle badly damaged while the injured were moved to Civil Hospital.

Condemnations

The prime minister Balochistan chief minister, governor and home minister condemned the attack.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also prayed for the deceased while extending his condolences to their families, APP reported.

He directed officials to provide medical facilities to the injured and sought a report about the attack from the authorities.

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo also expressed his grief over the loss of lives.

The chief minister sought a report from the inspector general of police on the incident and security measures in the city.

“Those who shed the blood of innocent people in the holy month of Ramazan do not deserve to be called human beings,” he said while redirecting to beef up security measures in the city. Balochistan Governor Malik Abdul Wali Khan Kakar instructed the law enforcement agencies to utilise all available resources to arrest the culprits.

Published in Dawn, April 11th, 2023