Quetta/Islamabad, March 29, 2025 – At least nine people, including two policemen, lost their lives, and 21 others sustained injuries in a series of deadly gun and bomb attacks in Balochistan on Thursday. The most severe incident occurred in Quetta’s Double Road area, where a bomb blast targeted a police van, killing two police personnel on the spot and injuring multiple others.

Bomb Blast Targets Police Van in Quetta

According to police sources, the blast took place near a police mobile van as it was crossing Double Road. The powerful explosion killed two policemen immediately, while 21 people, including four police personnel and several civilians, were injured. The victims were swiftly transported to the trauma center of Civil Hospital, where doctors began emergency treatment.

Managing Director of the Trauma Centre, Dr. Arbab Kamran, confirmed that the condition of several injured was critical. One of the deceased victims was identified as Abdul Jabbar, while the identities of some of the injured are still being verified.

Injured Victims Undergoing Treatment

Among the injured were individuals identified as Ahmed Khan, Sir Gull, Muhammad Jamil, Muhammad Hussain, Shafiq Ahmed, Abdul Razaq, Hyatullah, Attaullah, Habibullah, Muhammad Bilal, Kamran, Khalil Ahmed, Noor Ahmed, Muhammad Faraz, and Yasin. The authorities are working to identify two other injured persons.

Gun Attack Claims More Lives

In a separate incident in the Kech district of Balochistan, unidentified gunmen opened fire on a passenger vehicle, killing six people and injuring several others. The assailants ambushed the vehicle near Turbat as it was traveling towards Karachi. Security forces arrived at the scene shortly after the attack and shifted the victims to a nearby hospital for medical assistance.

Security Forces Launch Investigation

Security agencies and law enforcement personnel cordoned off the affected areas following the attacks and launched a search operation to apprehend the perpetrators. Initial reports suggest that the bomb blast in Quetta was a targeted attack aimed at law enforcement, while the gun attack in Kech appears to be linked to ongoing insurgent violence in the region.

Increased Security Measures

Following the attacks, the government has heightened security across Quetta and other sensitive areas of Balochistan. Additional police forces and paramilitary personnel have been deployed to prevent further incidents and maintain law and order.

Balochistan has long been plagued by violence from insurgent groups, sectarian militants, and criminal gangs, with security forces and civilians frequently targeted. Despite intensified counter-terrorism operations, sporadic attacks continue to disrupt peace in the region.

Condemnation and Call for Justice

Government officials, political leaders, and civil society members have strongly condemned the attacks and expressed solidarity with the victims’ families. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif termed the incidents a “cowardly attempt to destabilize the region” and vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.

“We stand with the families of the martyrs and those injured in these heinous acts of violence. Our security forces will ensure that those responsible face the full force of the law,” the Prime Minister said in a statement.

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and emphasized that law enforcement agencies were committed to rooting out terrorism from the country.

Funeral Prayers and National Mourning

Funeral prayers for the martyred police personnel were offered with full honors in Quetta, attended by senior police officials, government representatives, and a large number of citizens. The government has announced a day of mourning in Balochistan, with flags flying at half-mast to honor the victims.

As investigations continue, security forces remain vigilant, determined to prevent further violence and maintain peace in the province.