In a devastating escalation of violence in Pakistan, a suicide bomber targeted a railway station in Quetta, Balochistan, on November 9, 2024, killing at least 24 people and injuring over 40 others. The explosion occurred during a busy time of day as nearly 100 passengers awaited a train to Rawalpindi. Inspector General of Police for Balochistan, Mouzzam Jah Ansari, confirmed the death toll, which included both civilians and military personnel. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, demanding a halt to Chinese-funded projects in Pakistan, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding foreign investments in the region. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the bombing, asserting that those responsible would face severe consequences. This incident follows a recent motorcycle bomb attack that killed nine, including five children, and a series of BLA attacks in August that resulted in over 50 deaths. [78308456]
Earlier, on October 26, 2024, a suicide bomber detonated at a checkpoint in Mir Ali, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing eight people and wounding five others. This attack, which occurred from a motorbike rickshaw, resulted in the deaths of four police officers, two paramilitary members, and two civilians. The militant group 'Aswad ul-Harb' claimed responsibility for this horrific act. Pakistan has seen a resurgence in militancy since the Afghan Taliban's return to power in 2021, with 2023 marking the deadliest year for suicide attacks in a decade, recording 29 attacks and 329 fatalities. [a45b88ae]
On October 13, 2024, militants attacked coal mines in Dukki, Balochistan, killing at least 21 Pashtun mine workers. The attack, carried out by dozens of assailants armed with guns, rockets, and hand grenades, targeted the miners while they slept, marking one of the deadliest incidents in recent weeks. The BLA condemned the violence and denied involvement, stating, 'Baloch Liberation Army condemns the massacre of 21 Pashtun workers in Dukki.' This incident occurred just days before Pakistan is set to host a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, raising concerns about security in the region, which has been plagued by a decades-long insurgency and violent clashes between separatist groups and security forces. [dfcce1a9]
In August 2024, a roadside bomb exploded near a police office in Quetta, killing two children and a woman, and injuring 15 others, including police officers. Authorities suspect separatist factions behind the attack, which has not been claimed by any group. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack, reaffirming the government's commitment to combatting terrorism in Balochistan. This incident adds to the ongoing violence in the province, which has struggled with insurgency despite government claims of having quelled unrest. [953cd4ba]
Simultaneously, family members of individuals allegedly abducted by the BLA have been protesting outside the Assembly in Quetta for over 11 days, demanding the safe return of Zaheer Ahmed Baloch and others. The peaceful protest turned violent when police charged at demonstrators, leading to severe injuries and several arrests. Baloch rights activists condemned the police's actions, emphasizing the need for dialogue and respect for human rights. Balochistan’s Interior Minister Ziaullah Langove met with the families, assuring them of the government’s commitment to rescuing the abductees, although he did not provide a clear response regarding potential negotiations with the BLA. The police crackdown on the peaceful protesters has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organizations, highlighting the ongoing human rights issues faced by the Baloch community. [c9c79adc] [c4ba1072] [a88dd520]