Blast targeting train kills at least 20 in Pakistan
Blast targeting train kills at least 20 – Violence erupted on Sunday morning in Quetta, the capital of Pakistan’s Balochistan province, when an explosion struck a military train, leaving at least 20 people dead and 70 others wounded. The incident occurred at Chaman Phatak station, a key rail hub in the western region, as the train was en route from a military base to the city’s central station. Officials confirmed the blast caused severe damage, with three carriages and the engine derailing, while two others overturned. The chaos left the surrounding area in disarray, as debris scattered across the tracks and nearby vehicles.
Attack during Eid celebrations
The train was carrying service personnel and their families returning home for Eid, a significant religious holiday in the region. Many of the victims were likely in the process of reuniting with loved ones, adding a tragic dimension to the event. A local resident, Naseer Ahmed, shared his experience with the BBC, describing how the blast shattered windows in his home, waking his family from sleep. “The train was moving, and there were passengers on board when the explosion occurred,” he said. “It was a Sunday morning, and the noise was deafening, shaking the entire neighborhood.”
“Such cowardly acts of terrorism cannot weaken the resolve of the people of Pakistan,” stated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, condemning the attack. He emphasized the nation’s unity in the face of such violence, vowing support for the people of Balochistan during their time of mourning.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group operating in the region, was identified as the perpetrator of the blast. Officials in the province confirmed the attack was a suicide bombing, with the assailant likely using a vehicle loaded with explosives to strike the train. Witnesses reported seeing the vehicle collide with the train, triggering the explosion that rippled through the station. The BLA had previously claimed responsibility for the attack, reinforcing its connection to the incident.
Hospitals in Quetta declared an emergency following the attack, with medical staff working tirelessly to treat the injured. The casualties include three soldiers, according to officials. The train’s passengers were en route to the main station before planning to continue their journey to Peshawar and then to their hometowns for the holiday. The disruption has raised concerns about the safety of transport infrastructure in the region.
BLA’s history of attacks
This is not the first time the BLA has targeted public transportation in Balochistan. Over the past two years, the group has launched multiple attacks on the Jaffar Express, a regular service connecting Quetta to Peshawar. In March 2025, militants hijacked the train and took several passengers hostage, marking one of the deadliest incidents in the area. The recurring assaults have intensified security measures along the route, yet the BLA continues to exploit vulnerabilities in the system.
The BLA accuses Pakistan’s federal government of exploiting the province’s rich mineral resources without sharing the wealth with local communities. Balochistan, which spans nearly 44% of the country’s total land area, borders Iran and Afghanistan and includes a significant portion of the Arabian Sea coastline. Despite its vast size, the province is home to only about 5% of Pakistan’s population, over 240 million people. This disparity has fueled resentment among local populations, with the BLA framing its attacks as a response to perceived neglect.
Violence between BLA fighters and Pakistani security forces has been escalating in the region since early February. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of 31 civilians, highlighting the ongoing tensions. The attack on the train is seen as part of this broader pattern of unrest, with the group using attacks on transportation to assert its influence and challenge government control. Analysts suggest the BLA’s strategy targets both military and civilian infrastructure, aiming to disrupt the region’s stability and gain support from disaffected communities.
The blast at Chaman Phatak station has raised questions about the security of rail networks in Balochistan, particularly during high-traffic periods like Eid. Officials have called for increased vigilance, citing the potential for further attacks. Meanwhile, the regional government is working to stabilize the situation, offering condolences to the families of the victims and pledging to investigate the incident thoroughly. The international community has also expressed concern over the growing violence in the region, urging Pakistan to address the root causes of the conflict.
Residents of Quetta have expressed fear and anger over the attack, with many calling for stronger action against the BLA. The incident has underscored the challenges of maintaining peace in Balochistan, where separatist movements have long sought greater autonomy. Despite the scale of the destruction, the resilience of the local population remains evident, as they continue to rebuild and recover from the trauma of the blast. The event serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle between the province’s aspirations and the federal government’s authority.
