At least 15 people were killed and more than 30 others injured in a suicide bombing near Shahwani Stadium in the Sariab area of Balochistan on Tuesday night, shortly after the conclusion of a Balochistan National Party (BNP-Mengal) rally marking the death anniversary of Sardar Attaullah Mengal.
In a posting on X, BNP-M leader Akhtar Mengal confirmed he was safe but expressed anguish over the loss of lives. “Around 15 have been martyred and many injured,” he wrote, stressing they had given their lives for his party’s cause.
“Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. May Allah grant them Jannah and give patience to their families. This is a debt on me, and I will carry it with responsibility and resolve,” he added.
Other political leaders in attendance—Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Awami National Party’s Asghar Khan Achakzai, and National Party’s Mir Kabeer Muhammad Shai—also escaped unhurt. However, former BNP MPA Mir Ahmed Nawaz Baloch and the party’s central labor secretary Musa Jan were among those injured.
Hospital officials have confirmed 14 dead, while a Counter-Terrorism Department spokesperson has confirmed that the incident was the result of a suicide bombing. He said the bomber had detonated an explosives-laden jacket in the parking area as participants were leaving the gathering.
Six vehicles, including bulletproof cars of politicians, were damaged in the explosion.
In a statement, the Balochistan Home Department said a high-level investigation had been ordered. It said the injured would receive the best possible medical care.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, in a statement, condemned the blast, describing it a cowardly attack on innocent people. He said those behind the bombing were enemies of humanity, spilling the blood of ordinary citizens to spread fear.
“We will crush their nefarious designs,” he vowed, maintaining the attackers would be found, and punished. Directing hospitals to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured, he told doctors and staff to remain on alert. “No negligence will be tolerated,” he warned.
He said a committee had been tasked with investigating the incident, while security agencies were on orders to speedily arrest those responsible. He stressed that protecting people’s lives and property was the government’s primary duty.
“Violence will not be allowed to derail peace in Balochistan,” he said. “Both the federal and provincial governments will work together to keep our citizens safe,” he added.
Pakistan is the midst of a terror resurgence, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The government has in the past blamed India-backed militants for violence in Balochistan.