ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed has condemned the attack in the parking lot of a luxury hotel in Quetta and ordered a high-level investigation into the incident.
A bomb explosion at the parking lot of the Serena Hotel located on Zargun Road on Wednesday evening killed at least four people and wounded twelve others. Footage from the scene showed burning cars, with huge flames and plumes of smoke rising into the sky.
While speaking to a private channel, the interior minister warned that terrorists could carry out similar terrorism activities in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Rawalpindi. He said this is the safest area of Quetta but “a car that was full of explosives exploded in the hotel.
The Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong is suspected to have been the target of the attack. He is understood to be in Quetta but was not present at the scene at the time.
Sheikh Rasheed confirmed that the Chinese ambassador was at a function at the time and was not at the hotel. All other guests from the hotel were also reported safe.
The federal minister added that India does not want peace in Pakistan, but their attempt to damage Pakistan will fail. “Anti-Pakistan elements want to damage the country’s peace. The terrorists shall meet their end.”
Chief Minister Balochistan Jam Kamal has also condemned the blast and summoned a report from authorities concerned. He has expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the blast.
DIG Azhar Ikram said that the explosive device was apparently fitted in a vehicle, according to initial investigations. He added that a police official was among the deceased.
Addressing a press conference after the incident, Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove said that there was a wave of terrorism in the region. He said there were no threat alerts before the attack.
Regarding media reports about the Chinese ambassador being the apparent target of the attack, the minister said that the ambassador was not present at the hotel when the explosion occurred. He said he had spoken to the ambassador who was “in high spirits” and his visit to Quetta would conclude on Thursday.
Balochistan government spokesperson Liaquat Shahwani said the incident was being investigated from all angles and those involved will not be able to escape the law.
Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said the interior ministry was in close contact with the Balochistan government and that initial investigations were underway. He said the government will issue a statement as soon as the nature of the blast and losses are determined.
