Toll from BNP-M rally blast rises to 15
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QUETTA: The death toll from a suicide bombing at the BNP-M rally at Shahwani Stadium a day earlier rose to 15, as two of the 36 victims being treated at the Civil Hospital died on Wednesday.
The blast, which struck after supporters, workers and leaders of BNP, NP, PTI, PkMAP and ANP gathered at Shahwani Stadium to mark the fourth death anniversary of veteran nationalist leader Sardar Attaullah Mengal, also left dozens injured.
A faction of the militant Islamic State (IS) group claimed responsibility for the attack and also released a photo of the suicide bomber.
PM Shehbaz Sharif and leaders of the Tehreek-i-Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) and National Party condemned the explosion, with the latter alleging that it was an “attempt to pressurise political activities”. On the other hand, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti vowed to bring the perpetrators of the deadly bombing near Shahwani Stadium to justice, declaring that terrorists would not be allowed to destabilise the province’s peace.
While addressing a press conference, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Hamza Shafqaat confirmed that the suicide attack took place on Sariab Road some 500 metres away from the venue of the BNP public meeting and about 45 minutes after it ended.
“If the explosion had taken place inside the rally grounds, the loss of life would have been far greater,” he noted.
Mr Shafqaat said 120 police personnel were deployed at the rally for security. “The incident was beyond control and could not have been prevented, but identifying those behind the blast is our responsibility,” he said.
He said that the remains of the suicide bomber were recovered from the site, where he detonated himself. The attacker, believed to be under 30 years, used around 8kg explosives for the blast that also claimed the life of two policemen. The additional chief secretary announced that in light of persistent threat alerts, no rallies or gatherings would be permitted after Maghrib prayers.
He said security threats were expected to remain high on Sept 6, appealing to the public to limit unnecessary movement on Defence Day. He said security would also be tightened for the upcoming 12th Rabi-ul- Awwal programmes and urged political parties and the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies. He said CM Bugti had announced a compensation package of Rs1.5 million for the families of those martyred, along with Rs500,000 in medical support for each of the injured.
Condemnations
PM Shehbaz Sharif also telephoned Balochistan CM Sarfraz Bugti to express deep sorrow over the tragic blast. The prime minister strongly condemned the blast and conveyed deep grief over the loss of precious lives in the blast. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
He said the attack on the political rally was clear evidence of the nefarious conspiracy by terrorists to spread chaos in Balochistan.
Meanwhile, leaders of Tehreek-i-Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), an alliance of opposition parties, condemned the explosion and alleged that it was an attempt to pressurise the political movement. TTAP Secretary General Asad Qaiser, who was flanked by Barrister Salman Akram Raja, Raja Nasir Abbas, Muhammad Zubair, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar and others, in a statement reminded the plotters to think again, warning that there would be dire consequences. Pakistan cannot be made an Egypt of General Sisi and world has seen so many Idi Amin(s), Barrister Akram said.
In Turbat, National Party President and former chief minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch addressing a press conference condemned the suicide attack on a BNP rally in Quetta, calling it a “well-planned conspiracy” to curb political activity and corner democratic forces.
Senate Deputy Chairman Syedal Khan Nasar also condemned the “cowardly act of terrorism,” offering condolences to the bereaved families and solidarity with BNP President Sardar Akhtar Mengal.
Security meeting
Earlier, the chief minister presided over a security meeting, attended by Balochistan Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, Mr Shafqaat, Principal Secretary Babar Khan, Balochistan Levies Director General Ghaffar Magsi and acting IGP Saeed Wazir, Quetta Commissioner Shahzaib Kakar, and other senior officials.
CM Bugti warned the officials that there would be zero tolerance for lapses in public protection, highlighting the need to strengthen security protocols. He directed the additional chief secretary to keep both the public and media informed with “verified updates” to counter misinformation. “The terrorists behind the Shahwani Stadium blast will be brought to their logical conclusion and held accountable under the law,” he said.
He ordered that critically injured individuals would be transferred to Karachi through government air services, if necessary, to ensure optimal medical care.
The chief minister urged political parties and citizens to cooperate with law enforcement agencies during the current threat alert. “This is a time for unity and collective resolve to defeat those who seek to spread fear,” he said.
In preparation for upcoming religious events, Mr Bugti instructed officials to devise a comprehensive security plan for the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal processions. He appealed to the public to support authorities in maintaining peace during these gatherings.
Behram Baloch in Gwadar and Ikram Junaidi in Islamabad also contributed to this report
Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2025
