Balochistan: Four killed, 14 injured in Barkhan blast

A police team has reached the site and cordoned off the area for investigations

QUETTA (Dunya News) – At least four people were killed and 14 others wounded in a blast in Balochistan's Barkhan area on Sunday, Dunya News reported.

Police said the magnitude of the blast - the impact - is yet to be confirmed. 

Officials added that the explosion took place when an improvised explosive device (IED), planted on a motorcycle, exploded in Rakhni Bazaar when the area was crowded. 

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo has condemned the blast and directed the authorities to take all possible steps to arrest the culprits.

“Those who shed the blood of innocent people are enemies of humanity,” he said.

-- Shutter down strike --

On the other hand, Rakhni bazaar traders observed a shutter down strike against the blast. All the shops in Barkhan city were closed in protest.

A protest demonstration was also held by the business community and civil society.

-- Condemnation -- 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the incident and expressed his sympathies with the bereaved families. In a statement, the premier ordered best ever medical care for the injured.

He sought report of the incident from the Balochistan chief minister and the provincial police chief, saying the terrorists would not be able to escape punishments. 

President Arif Alvi also condemned the incident and stressed on the need to speed up efforts for the complete elimination of terrorists. 

— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) February 26, 2023

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah also prayed for the victims of the attack. 

— Rana SanaUllah Khan (@RanaSanaullahPK) February 26, 2023

Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Barkhan district of Balochistan. 

— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) February 26, 2023

According to a statement issued by Media Cell Bilawal House here Sunday, the Chairman PPP, in his reaction to the reprehensible violence in Rakhni Bazar, said that Pakistan was determined to root out those who target innocent citizens. “Terrorists have no religion or nation, they are brutal beasts in human form,” he added.

Bilawal expressed his heartfelt condolences and solidarity with the families of the citizens, who were martyred in the terror-attack and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.