PISHIN: A blast at a main market near Surkhab Chowk in Balochistan’s Pishin district resulted in the deaths of two children and a woman on Saturday. The explosion also left 13 people injured, including two policemen.
The attack is part of a recent surge in violence targeting police and security checkposts, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The increase in attacks followed the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) breaking a fragile ceasefire with the government in 2022 and vowing to target security forces.
According to Dr. Wakeel Sherani, Medical Superintendent at Pishin Civil Hospital, two children were killed in the blast, and 14 others were initially injured. Thirteen of the wounded were transferred to the Quetta Trauma Centre, where a woman later succumbed to her injuries. Five individuals are reported to be in serious condition, while others have minor injuries or have been discharged.
Pishin City SHO Mujibur Rehman stated that the explosion was likely caused by a device planted on a motorcycle, which also damaged three vehicles. The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and Bomb Disposal Squad are investigating the scene.
The blast occurred near the Pishin Deputy Commissioner’s office, shortly after a similar incident in Noshki where two pedestrians were injured by a roadside explosion.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, expressing deep sorrow and calling for those responsible to be punished. President Asif Ali Zardari and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also expressed their condolences and reaffirmed commitment to combating terrorism.
Balochistan Government Spokesperson Shahid Rind condemned the terrorist acts and directed the provincial health department to ensure the best medical care for the injured.
