A devastating explosion targeting a passenger train in Pakistan’s troubled Balochistan province has claimed at least 24 lives and left dozens injured, triggering panic and renewed concerns over rising militant violence in the region. The incident took place near Quetta on Sunday when a powerful blast struck a train reportedly carrying security personnel along with civilians and family members.

According to Pakistani authorities, the explosion occurred near the Chaman Phatak area close to Quetta cantonment. Initial investigations suggest that the attack may have been carried out by a suicide bomber who rammed an explosives-laden vehicle near the railway track as the train passed through the area. The intensity of the blast caused severe damage to several coaches, with some compartments derailing and overturning.

Emergency response teams, railway officials, and security personnel rushed to the site shortly after the explosion. Rescue operations continued for several hours as teams worked to pull injured passengers from the damaged coaches. Thick smoke and debris surrounded the blast site, while nearby vehicles and structures also suffered damage due to the powerful impact.

Officials confirmed that at least 24 people were killed in the attack, though the death toll could rise as several injured passengers remain in critical condition. More than 70 people sustained injuries, with some media reports placing the number of wounded above 100. Victims were shifted to hospitals in Quetta, where emergency measures were declared to handle the large number of casualties.

The separatist militant outfit Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) reportedly claimed responsibility for the bombing. In a statement circulated online, the group described the attack as a “fidayeen” operation targeting Pakistani security forces. The BLA has long been involved in an insurgency in Balochistan and has frequently targeted security installations, transportation routes, and infrastructure projects in the province.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly act of terrorism.” He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and directed authorities to provide the best possible medical treatment to those injured. Security agencies have launched a detailed investigation into the incident, while surveillance and security measures have been intensified across sensitive areas in Balochistan.

The latest bombing highlights the deteriorating security situation in Pakistan’s southwestern region, where militant groups have intensified attacks over the past year. Railway networks in Balochistan, including routes linked to the Jaffar Express, have faced repeated threats and attacks, raising fears over passenger safety and transportation security.

Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but least populated province, has witnessed decades of insurgency, with separatist groups accusing the federal government of exploiting the province’s natural resources while neglecting local communities. The Pakistani government, however, maintains that security operations are necessary to restore peace and stability in the region.

The train bombing has once again drawn international attention to Pakistan’s ongoing struggle against militancy and the growing security challenges facing the country.

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