QUETTA: At least four people and several others suffered injuries in an explosion in the Hazaganji area of Quetta today (Sunday).
According to details, the blast took place within the jurisdiction of Shalkot police station. Rescue personnel are on the scene and are shifting the dead bodies and injured people to the nearby hospital.
The district police have informed that an explosive device was planted in a motorcycle that exploded causing damage to one car and several motorcycles. Security officials and law enforcement personnel have also reached the site and cordoned off the area.
The explosion occurs as the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) is holding its third power show in Quetta amid heightened security measures owing to a threat alert issued by the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA).
Earlier, NACTA issued a warning that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) could target the country’s political and religious leadership in Peshawar and Quetta.
According to a letter, “Reportedly, the terrorist plan includes an assassination of high-profile political personalities through a well-articulated bomb/blast suicide bombing in near future.”
More than 4,000 security personnel, including officials from the provincial police force, Frontier Corps and Balochistan Constabulary have been deployed. The provincial government also banned pillion riding in Quetta. Mobile phone services have been suspended within a 4km radius of the stadium.
