ISLAMABAD: Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, and the United States strongly condemned Tuesday’s suicide bombing and gun attack near a paramilitary headquarters in Quetta.
At least 10 people, including soldiers and civilians, were killed and 33 others injured when a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden pickup truck into the Frontier Corps (FC) headquarters in Quetta on Tuesday.
Gunmen then stormed the compound, sparking a firefight in which security forces killed four attackers, the Balochistan chief minister confirmed.
President Zardari denounced the assault, blaming it on “Fitna-e-khawarij acting on India’s agenda.” Officials use the term “khawarij” for Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, who operate mainly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but have also carried out attacks in Balochistan.
“Pakistan, its people, and its security forces shall prevail,” the president said in a statement, praising the swift action of security forces.
“Terrorists cannot weaken the nation’s resolve through cowardly acts,” the Balochistan chief minister said. “The sacrifices of our people and security institutions will not go in vain.”
“We remain committed to making Balochistan peaceful and secure,” he added.
The United States also condemned the violence.
“The United States strongly condemns the heinous terrorist attack near Quetta’s FC headquarters that resulted in many tragic deaths and injuries,” US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker said.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish a swift recovery to those injured,” the statement issued by the embassy said. “The United States stands in solidarity with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism to bring its people lives free from violence and fear.”
The Quetta attack highlights the continued threat of militant violence in Balochistan, which borders Afghanistan and Iran and has seen repeated assaults by both separatists and TTP-linked militants.