Strike in Quetta after attack on pilgrims

Published January 2, 2014
Security personnel look at the wreckage of a car used in Wednesday's suicide bombing. — Photo by AFP
Security personnel look at the wreckage of a car used in Wednesday's suicide bombing. — Photo by AFP

QUETTA: In wake of the Wednesday’s suicide attack on a bus of pilgrims in Quetta, a strike was being observed on Thursday in the violence prone capital of Balochistan, DawnNews reported.

The strike call was given by the Majlis-i-Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM) following yesterday’s suicide attack on a bus carrying pilgrims from Iran as it was entering the Akhtarabad area of Quetta.

Following the strike call, Alamdar Road, Hazara Town, Kirani, Marriabad and other commercial centres remain closed and roads witnessed less traffic as the city mourned the ferocious attack.

Moreover, a meeting of the security committee headed by Chief Minister Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik Baloch would take place today to discuss strategies to extend fool-proof security to the buses carrying pilgrims.

A case was registered in a police station under the complaint of the Station House Officer (SHO) against unknown persons.

The FIR was lodged under sections of the law pertaining to terrorism, murder, attempted murder and other charges.

At least three people were killed and 31 were injured in the attack.

The injured were shifted to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) where six were reported to be in critical condition.

Despite the security measures taken in the province on new year eve, the suicide attacker managed to smash his explosive-laden vehicle into the bus.

Militants have been targeting pilgrims coming from Iran for over past six years in Quetta and in other parts of Balochistan.

Opinion

Editorial

System failure
Updated 12 Nov, 2024

System failure

Relevant institutions often treat right to internet connectivity with the same disdain as they do civil and political rights.
Narrowing the gap
12 Nov, 2024

Narrowing the gap

PERHAPS a pat on the back is in order for the ECP. Together with Nadra, it has made visible efforts to reduce...
Back on their feet
12 Nov, 2024

Back on their feet

A STIRRING comeback in the series has ended Pakistan’s 22-year wait for victory against world champions Australia....
Time to deliver
Updated 11 Nov, 2024

Time to deliver

Pakistan must display a serious commitment to climate change adaptation and mitigation at home.
Smaller government
11 Nov, 2024

Smaller government

THE IMF bailout programme has put the government under pressure to curtail its spending, especially current...
Unsafe inheritance
11 Nov, 2024

Unsafe inheritance

DESPITE regulations, the troubling practice of robbing women of their rightful inheritance — the culprits are ...