Quetta BNP Rally Blast: 11 Dead, Dozens Injured; Mengal, Achakzai Safe

Quetta Suicide Blast at BNP Rally Kills 11, Injures Dozens – Akhtar Mengal and Mahmood Khan Achakzai Safe

Quetta:Nazrana Times(Ali Imran Chattha)

A deadly suicide blast struck outside Shahwani Stadium in Quetta on Monday evening, killing at least 11 people and injuring over 29 others during a Balochistan National Party (Mengal) rally. The attack occurred as participants were dispersing after the event, held to mark the death anniversary of nationalist leader Sardar Ataullah Mengal.

According to police and security officials, the explosion ripped through the parking area, targeting rally-goers as they left the venue. Law enforcement agencies suspect it was a suicide attack, though investigations are ongoing and no group has yet claimed responsibility.

Prominent Leaders Safe

BNP-M leader and former Balochistan Chief Minister Sardar Akhtar Mengal, who addressed the rally, was confirmed safe.

Similarly, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, also remained unharmed. Both leaders had already left the main stage area when the blast occurred.

Casualties and Medical Response

The injured were rushed to Civil Hospital Quetta and its Trauma Centre, where emergency teams led by MD Dr. Arbab Kamran and MS Dr. Hadi Kakar provided initial treatment. Six critically injured patients were later shifted to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) for specialized care.

A government spokesperson released the names of several victims, including Nadir, Muhammad Sadiq, Siraj Ahmed, Naseebullah, Basheer, Ali Akbar, Muhammad Ishaq, Ahmad Nawaz, Shah Faisal, Farhan, and others. Among the deceased were Ishaq, Najeebullah, Shan, Hanif, Madad Khan, and more, with officials warning that the death toll may rise due to the critical condition of several patients.

Government Response

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti cancelled his scheduled Lahore visit upon receiving news of the bombing and returned directly from Quetta Airport to the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.

Bugti ordered an immediate investigation from the Inspector General of Police and directed the provincial health authorities to personally oversee treatment of the injured. He also instructed that critically injured patients be airlifted to Karachi for advanced medical facilities on doctors’ recommendations.

“The Government of Balochistan stands with the affected families in this difficult time. All resources are being utilized for the treatment of the injured,” Bugti said, stressing that saving lives and providing relief remain the government’s top priority. He warned that negligence or delays in treatment would not be tolerated.

Security Situation in Balochistan

Balochistan has long faced instability due to insurgent violence and extremist attacks. Political rallies and public gatherings remain vulnerable despite heightened security measures. The Shahwani Stadium bombing highlights the persistent threat posed by militants in the province, particularly during high-profile political events.

Summary

Attack: Suicide blast at BNP rally, Quetta

Casualties: 11 killed, over 29 injured

Leaders: Akhtar Mengal (BNP-M) and Mahmood Khan Achakzai (Opposition Leader) safe

Government Response: Emergency medical arrangements, Karachi airlift for critical patients, investigation ordered

Responsibility: No group has claimed the attack yet