The United Nations has strongly condemned a deadly bombing targeting a passenger train in Quetta, saying terrorism in all forms is unacceptable.
UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the UN chief called for those responsible to be identified and brought to justice. He also expressed solidarity with the people and government of Pakistan.
A suicide bombing involving an explosives-laden vehicle hit a passenger train in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan on Sunday. At least 24 people were killed and more than 50 others injured.
The Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attack, according to regional media reports.
Pakistani media reported that most victims were civilians, including passengers, pedestrians and residents living near the railway track. At least three border police personnel were also killed.
Images circulating on social media showed burned train coaches, destroyed vehicles and thick smoke rising from the blast site. Rescue teams rushed the injured to nearby hospitals.
Sarfaraz Bugti condemned the attack and accused militants of targeting innocent civilians. The Taliban also denounced the bombing.
Pakistan has seen a sharp rise in militant violence in recent months, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where security forces and armed groups have repeatedly clashed.
Just days before the Quetta attack, at least 29 people were reported killed in separate clashes between security forces and militants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, underscoring worsening security conditions across the country.
