At least 11 people were killed and dozens injured in a powerful blast outside Shahwani Stadium in Quetta on Tuesday, rescue officials confirmed. The explosion occurred moments after Balochistan National Party (BNP) chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal departed the venue. Mengal escaped unhurt, according to party sources and media reports.
Initial reports from Aaj News and AFP suggested it was a suicide attack, though authorities have yet to officially confirm the nature of the blast. The explosion badly damaged four vehicles, while police and rescue teams immediately cordoned off the site and shifted victims to Civil Hospital and Bolan Medical Complex.
The Balochistan government announced a high-level inquiry, urging the public to avoid speculation and cooperate with investigators. Security forces have begun collecting forensic evidence to determine those responsible.
Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemned the attack, terming it a “cowardly act” aimed at destabilising the province. He directed hospitals to provide the best care to the injured. An emergency was declared across Quetta’s medical facilities, with trauma centres, ICUs, and ambulances placed on high alert to support victims and their families.
