QUETTA: Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Balochistan Hamza Shafqaat said that at least 15 people were killed in Tuesday night’s suicide attack near Shahwani Stadium.
Addressing a press conference here at Quetta, he said that the suicide bomber, believed to be under 30 years old, detonated about 45 minutes after the Balochistan National Party (BNP) rally had ended.
Hamza Shafqaat said that the attacker used nearly eight kilograms of explosives. He said investigators had gathered key evidence from the site.
“The rally organizers were asked three times to conclude the gathering on time. If they had acted responsibly, this tragedy could have been averted,” Shafqaat said. He noted that the rally had been scheduled for 3:00 pm, but the explosion occurred at around 9:00 pm.
The senior official confirmed 15 deaths and several injuries. He added that the province remains on high alert as intelligence suggests militant groups are attempting to destabilize Pakistan.
Authorities have launched an investigation and tightened security in Quetta and surrounding areas.
