At least 14 people, including three Frontier Corps (FC) personnel, were martyred and several others injured in a powerful blast near the railway track close to Chaman Phatak in Quetta on Sunday, according to the Balochistan government spokesperson.
Authorities said women and children were also among the injured, who were shifted to hospitals for medical treatment.
According to officials, the explosion occurred near the railway track as the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express passed through the area.
The blast caused significant disruption to railway operations and damaged the train. Authorities also reported damage to nearby vehicles and shattered windows of surrounding buildings.
Railway officials confirmed that the Jaffar Express was stopped at Quetta Railway Station as a precautionary measure.
14 martyred, including security personnel
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed that the death toll has reached 14, including three FC personnel.
He said several civilians were injured in the attack, including women and children, who were immediately shifted to hospitals for emergency treatment.
An emergency has been declared in hospitals across Quetta, with doctors and medical staff called in to manage the situation.
PM Shehbaz Sharif expresses condolences
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack and expressed deep grief over the loss of innocent lives and security personnel.
He extended condolences to the families of the martyrs and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
I strongly condemn the heinous bomb explosion near Chaman Phatak, Quetta, which has resulted in the tragic loss of innocent lives and left many others injured.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 24, 2026
Such cowardly acts of terrorism cannot weaken the resolve of the people of Pakistan. We remain steadfast in our…
The Prime Minister also directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for those injured and ordered a detailed investigation into the incident.
Govt calls attack “terrorist act”
Shahid Rind said that terrorists targeted unarmed civilians in what he described as a “cowardly act” aimed at destabilizing peace.
He added that such attacks on public places reflect the “desperation of terrorist elements.”
The spokesperson also said that the sacrifices of the martyrs “will not go in vain.”
Security forces have cordoned off the area, and evidence collection is underway, officials said.
Law enforcement agencies, including police and other security units, have launched a full investigation into the incident.
Authorities have also placed all relevant institutions on high alert.
Babar Yousafzai, spokesperson to the provincial home minister, urged citizens not to gather near the blast site to avoid obstruction in rescue operations.
He said emergency teams are working at the scene and public cooperation is essential for effective response efforts.
Police confirmed that at least 10 vehicles were damaged in the explosion, while nearby buildings also sustained structural damage, including broken windows.
Rescue operations and clearance work continued as officials assessed the full extent of the destruction.
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