Quetta: The death toll has increased in a targeted suicide attack on a police truck, a woman who was injured in the blast has succumbed to her injuries, while 27 people, including 23 policemen, are reported to have been injured.
Police shared an update on the death toll, saying the injured woman died during treatment. Meanwhile, the hospital administration has said that the condition of most of the injured is out of danger.
The law enforcement agency has said in the initial statement that a police truck was targeted in the blast. He said that the injured police personnel and citizens have been shifted to the nearby hospital.
As soon as the explosion was reported, the police and rescue teams reached the spot. Bomb disposal squad was also asked for help.
Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector General of Quetta Ghulam Azfar Mahesar said in a media interview that the blast was a suicide attack as they found the remains of the suicide bomber at the scene. He said that the police truck overturned due to the explosion and fell into the ditch.
DIG Mahesar, giving the details of the casualties and the affected vehicles of the citizens, said that the policeman was martyred as a result of falling into the ditch and being crushed under the truck. He said that around 20 policemen and four civilians were injured. He further said that the condition of two policemen is critical.
According to the DIG, three vehicles including a police truck and two nearby cars were damaged in the blast.
He said that the police truck was transporting the police personnel deployed for the security of the polio workers for the ongoing campaign. He further said that 20 to 25 kg explosives were used in the attack.
‘Cowardly Attack’
“The terrorists launched a cowardly attack on the police force,” said Inspector General Balochistan Abdul Khaliq Sheikh.
He said that such attacks will not demoralize the police.
“Safeguarding people’s lives and property is our job. Our morale is high and our resolve is strong,” the IGP said.
PM Shahbaz Sharif, President Arif Alvi condemned the Attack.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and President Arif Alvi have condemned the terrorist attack in separate statements.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif ordered an immediate investigation into the incident and directed to provide the best medical aid to the injured.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said that “polio workers are performing their duties to eradicate this disease [polio] without fear of their lives. Complete eradication of polio is among the top priorities of the government”.
He further said that the evil elements will continue to fail to stop the polio eradication campaign as the Pakistani nation and the LEA will not allow their efforts to succeed.
وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کا بلیلی میں پولیس کی گاڑی پر دھماکے کی شدید مذمت
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) November 30, 2022
پولیس اہلکارپولیوٹیم کی حفاظت پر مامورتھے
وزیراعظم کی واقعے کی فوری تحقیقات کی ہدایت@CMShehbaz pic.twitter.com/MYDKqFrY2s
Meanwhile, President Alvi expressed grief over the loss of lives.
“Children are our precious national asset and future. We are committed to keep children safe from deadly diseases like polio,” he said, pledging to continue efforts to eradicate polio from the country.
The President paid tribute to the police and polio workers and prayed for the forgiveness of the dead and the recovery of the injured.
