A devastating act of violence struck Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, on Tuesday when a powerful explosion targeted a political rally of the Balochistan National Party (BNP).

The blast, which occurred near Shahwani Stadium shortly after the conclusion of an event commemorating the fourth death anniversary of veteran Baloch nationalist leader Sardar Attaullah Mengal, claimed the lives of at least 14 people and injured 35 others.

According to police and media reports, the explosion appeared to be directed at BNP chief Akhtar Mengal and his convoy. Fortunately, Mengal survived unharmed, though his party has been left reeling from the heavy loss of its workers and supporters.

Security officials have suggested that the nature of the attack is still under investigation, with preliminary assessments considering the use of either an improvised explosive device (IED) or a suicide bomber.

Balochistan Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar confirmed the official casualty count, with several of the wounded reported to be in critical condition.

Emergency services and rescue teams rushed the injured to nearby hospitals, where health authorities were instructed to provide the highest level of medical attention. BNP spokesperson Sajid Tareen confirmed that 13 party members were among the slain, highlighting that the blast occurred just moments after Akhtar Mengal’s vehicle had crossed the site.

This narrow escape underscored the targeted nature of the attack. The attack evoked strong grief within BNP ranks, with Mengal himself later posting a statement on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), expressing gratitude for his personal safety but mourning deeply for his supporters who had been killed.

In his message, he described the slain individuals as martyrs who had laid down their lives for the party’s cause, pledging to honour their sacrifice with commitment and resolve.

The attack drew strong condemnation from the provincial leadership. Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti denounced the bombing as a cowardly and inhumane attempt by “enemies of peace” to destabilise the region and spread fear among the populace.

Bugti emphasised that such tactics would fail to derail ongoing efforts for stability in the province. He directed concerned authorities to ensure that the injured receive top-quality medical care and called for an investigation at the highest levels.

A special investigative committee has been constituted to submit a comprehensive report on the incident, while security protocols across Quetta have been heightened to prevent any further attacks.

The Quetta blast has once again highlighted the precarious security situation in Balochistan, a province long plagued by violence linked to separatist movements, ethnic tensions, and militant activities. The targeting of mainstream political leadership such as Akhtar Mengal — who is regarded as one of the most prominent Baloch nationalist figures — reflects an effort to silence political voices through terror and intimidation.

While no group has officially claimed responsibility for the incident yet, authorities suspect involvement of anti-state elements seeking to disrupt political processes in the region.

This attack not only leaves a deep scar on the BNP and its supporters but also raises pressing concerns about the effectiveness of existing security frameworks in safeguarding political activity in Balochistan.

As Quetta grapples with the aftermath, the provincial and federal leadership face mounting pressure to ensure justice, hold those responsible accountable, and implement immediate measures to protect political leaders and citizens.

The incident has also renewed calls for unity against terrorism, with calls from across the political spectrum to reinforce law enforcement capabilities.

For the BNP, the tragic loss of its members has become both a moment of mourning and a rallying point, a painful reminder of the sacrifices made in pursuit of their political struggle and vision for Balochistan.

Based On ANI Report