Bomb-Bag-Attock-670
Police personnel looking at bomb fitted in a bag which was offloaded from a train, Awami Express at Attock Railway Station and was defused by expert of bomb disposal squad. – File Photo by Online

QUETTA: A powerful blast at train station late on Wednesday killed at least five and injured at least 20 people in Sibi, DawnNews reported.

Home Secretary Balochistan Nasinullah Bazai, while speaking to DawnNews, vowed to arrest the culprits behind the attack and called a bomb disposal squad at the site to avoid anymore untoward incidents.

According to officials, explosive material was hidden at a tea stall at the platform number two of the station.

At the time of blast, Jaffer Express was stationery at the crowded platform. The train was arriving from Jafferabad and destined for Quetta.

AP adds: Police officer Qasim Salachi says the bomb went off just minutes after the train pulled into the station, as passengers were buying food and drinks.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

The dead and injured were being shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital Sibi. Deputy Commissioner Shahid Saleem Qureshi has imposed an emergency in the hospital.

There are children among the injured while eight injured are reported to be in critical condition.

Police and other security agencies have cordoned off the blast site and initiated an investigation.

Balochistan has experienced decades of violence at the hands of separatists who demand a greater share of the province's natural resources. It is also believed to be a base for many Afghan Taliban militants.

Opinion

Editorial

Missing links
Updated 27 Apr, 2024

Missing links

As the past decades have shown, the country has not been made more secure by ‘disappearing’ people suspected of wrongdoing.
Freedom to report?
27 Apr, 2024

Freedom to report?

AN accountability court has barred former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife from criticising the establishment...
After Bismah
27 Apr, 2024

After Bismah

BISMAH Maroof’s contribution to Pakistan cricket extends beyond the field. The 32-year old, Pakistan’s...
Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...