Three killed, over 20 wounded in Quetta blast

Quetta: Three people, including a deputy superintendent of police (DSP), were martyred while 24 people were injured after a blast took place near a police van on Quetta's Fatima Jinnah Road, officials said on Wednesday. The blast also sparked fire in an adjacent shop.

Bomb Disposal Squad and police are still determining the cause of blast.

DIG Operations Fida Hussain told reporters that a police mobile from the City police station was in the area around 7pm when a loud explosion took place.

He said the nature of the incident was being ascertained, but added that 2-2.5 kilogrammes of explosive material was used.

Hussain also identified one of the deceased as a DSP, adding that 24 people, including police officials, were injured.

Quetta Civil Hospital spokesperson Dr Waseem Baig confirmed the casualties, adding that the injured were being transported to the hospital for medical treatment.

TV footage showed rescue workers dousing tall flames at the site of the blast. The nature of the blast has not yet been ascertained.

In a statement, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo strongly condemned the incident. He also directed hospitals to impose an emergency and for all doctors and paramedical staff to ensure their presence.

"Cowardly terrorists targeted innocent citizens in a terrorist attack," he said. "Efforts are being made to disrupt peace in Quetta and the province under a planned and well-thought-out conspiracy."

The chief minister said terrorists and their sponsors were receiving "external support", directing the IG to submit a detailed report of the incident.

"All resources should be utilised to bring those responsible for the incident to justice," the chief minister said, issuing directives to make security arrangements in the city more effective.