QUETTA: A member of the Anti-Terrorist Force (ATF) was martyred and six others were injured — three of them critically — when a roadside bomb targeted a police vehicle on Quetta’s Brewery Road late Saturday evening.

According to officials, the ATF personnel were patrolling the area when an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded near their vehicle at Kirani Cross, injuring seven officers.

Police and rescue teams rushed to the scene, cordoned off the area and shifted the wounded to Bolan Medical Complex Hospital. However, one of the injured, identified as Muhammad Dilbar, succumbed to his injuries due to multiple splinter wounds.

“We received seven injured personnel, three of whom are in critical condition,” Dr Sultan Ahmed Lehri said. “One soldier could not survive due to the severity of his injuries.”

The body of the martyred official was handed over to the police. Five of the six injured officers were identified as driver Saleem, Abdul Wajid, Abdul Malik, Haq Dad and Muhammad Khalid.

Security officials confirmed that the attack was carried out using a roadside IED, likely detonated remotely. “A bomb was planted along the roadside and exploded when the ATF mobile passed through the area,” a senior Brewery Police Station officer said.

Authorities have registered a case against unknown attackers and launched an investigation.

CM condemns attack

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemned the attack and vowed indiscriminate action against terrorists and their facilitators.

“The blood of our martyrs will not go in vain,” he said in a statement, adding that the people of Balochistan remain united against terrorism and will foil the enemies’ plans.

The chief minister paid tribute to the martyred ATF official and expressed condolences to his family. He also directed authorities to provide the best possible medical care to the injured personnel.

“The terrorists cannot break the resolve of the people with their cowardly acts,” CM Bugti said, reaffirming that peace and order would be ensured at all costs, with security forces remaining on high alert.

Published in Dawn, March 16th, 2025