Quetta: At least three people were killed and 21 others, including policemen, received injuries in an explosion on Thursday that occurred near a police vehicle in Quetta city of Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province, said officials.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Ayesha Faiz, police surgeon in the government hospital in Quetta city, confirmed in a statement to media that three people lost their lives while 21 others were injured in the blast. The blast took place in the Barech Market area in Quetta's Double Road near a police vehicle. The official further said that four of the injured are in critical condition, while four policemen are among the wounded. In a statement, Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said that the explosion occurred near a police vehicle, adding that the nature of the blast was being determined. Security forces cordoned off the area and initiated a probe into the incident. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the blast.
Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the blast and expressed "deep sorrow and regret over the precious loss of lives in the blast". The President said such heinous acts during the holy month of Ramadan reflect the nefarious designs of terrorists. He prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the deceased, commiserated with the bereaved families and also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured. The blast comes at a time when Pakistan has witnessed a rise in terror attacks especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces bordering Afghanistan.