22 Dead, 20 Hurt In Explosion At Pakistan’s Quetta Railway Station, Separatist Group Claims Responsibility

Quetta: At least 22 people were killed and 20 others sustained injuries after a blast took place at Quetta Railway Station in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on Saturday. The explosion occurred at the booking office before a train arrive at the platform, reports stated.

According to reports, the Baloch Liberation Army—a militant separatist group in Pakistan—claimed responsibility for the blast. The militant group said the explosion was carried out by its Fidayee unit. It further added that they had targeted the Pakistani Army unit, which was returning via Jaffer Express from the Infantry school after completion of a course.

In a purported press release circulated on the social media, the militant group said the attack was executed by the BLA’s Fidayee unit, Majeed Brigade. The release was issued in the name of BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch.

The death toll may rise, indicated the authorities. Emergency has been sounded in all hospitals. Pakistan’s largest and poorest province, resource-rich Balochistan is home to separatist militants.

In the past, militants had targeted energy projects with foreign financing, most notably from China, accusing outsiders of exploiting the region while excluding residents from the profits, an Hindustan Times report stated.