At least 10 people were killed and 32 others injured on Tuesday when a powerful car bomb exploded near the Frontier Corps (FC) headquarters in Quetta, officials confirmed. The blast occurred on a busy street close to Zarghoon Road, immediately followed by heavy gunfire, creating chaos and panic in the provincial capital.
Balochistan Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar said that the casualties included both civilians and paramilitary personnel. “Ten people have been killed, while 32 were injured. The injured have been taken to the Civil Hospital and Trauma Centre,” he said, adding that six of the wounded were in critical condition. Witnesses reported glass and debris hitting nearby offices, while videos on social media captured the vehicle turning toward the FC headquarters moments before the explosion.
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti condemned the attack as a “terrorist act” and confirmed that security forces killed four attackers during the swift response. President Asif Ali Zardari described it as a “suicide attack” by elements of Fitna-al-Khawarij, a term used by the state for banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan factions. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also lauded the security forces for their “timely and effective response,” pledging to punish those responsible and ensure the safety of citizens.
Following the blast, hospitals across Quetta were placed on emergency alert. Health Secretary Mujeebur Rehman instructed all medical personnel to remain on duty to treat the injured.
Balochistan has faced increasing insecurity in recent months, with militant groups, including the Baloch Liberation Army, targeting both civilians and security forces. Analysts note that the province’s challenging geography and local grievances over resources and development projects have complicated counter-insurgency efforts, contributing to a surge in violence.
The government has yet to confirm claims of responsibility, while allegations linking the attack to external actors remain unverified. Authorities continue operations to secure the area and prevent further incidents.