QUETTA: Three policemen martyred while 25 others sustained injuries near a police van on Quetta’s Fatima Jinnah Road, police officials said on Tuesday.
Security forces and rescue officials rushed to the area following the explosion. The injured were transferred to Civil Hospital Quetta and the area was cordoned off, police officials said.
Quetta Civil Hospital Spokesperson Dr Waseem Baig has confirmed the casualties, adding that the condition of six individuals is critical.
Officials added that the nature of blast will be ascertained after forensic experts complete collecting the evidence from the site of the incident. TV footage showed rescue workers dousing tall flames at the site of the blast.
Meanwhile, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo strongly condemned the incident. He also directed hospitals to impose an emergency and for all doctors and paramedical staff to ensure their presence.
“Cowardly terrorists targeted innocent citizens in a terrorist attack,” he said, adding: “Efforts are being made to disrupt peace in Quetta and the province under a planned and well-thought-out conspiracy.”
The chief minister said terrorists and their sponsors were receiving “external support”, directing the IG to submit a detailed report of the incident.
“All resources should be utilised to bring those responsible for the incident to justice,” the chief minister said, issuing directives to make security arrangements in the city more effective.
