QUETTA (Dunya News) - The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) on Sunday revealed the identity and details of Quetta railway station suicide bomber.
The photograph of terrorist Rafiq Bizenjo posted on the BLA social media page showed him armed to the teeth. He is holding a made-in-USA M4 rifle that could be bought from Afghanistan. He is wearing the US Marine's uniform - a US-made ammunition magazine jacket and a cap.
The BLA has been funded by the Indian agency RAW to carry out terrorist activities in Pakistan by purchasing ammunition from Afghanistan.
SECURITY ON A 'HIGH ALERT'
The Pakistan Railways, in the meantime, on Sunday ordered beefing up security at the stations across the country after Saturday's Quetta blast.
The CCTV cameras installed at the entrance and exit gates of Lahore railway station have been operationalised. Moreover, one policeman performs duty at the entrance and exit gates at Lahore at present. The number of security personnel would be increased.
A walk-through gate at the entrance of the station, which had been out of order, would also be made functional.
FIR REGISTERED AT CTD
Meanwhile, an FIR has been registered by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of the police here. According to CTD officials, the FIR was registered against unidentified people on the complaint of Railways Police.
The FIR has been registered under sections related to murder, attempt to murder and terrorism, added officials.
QUETTA RAILWAY STATION BLAST
At least 26 people were killed and 56 others injured on Saturday as a result of a bomb blast at the Quetta railway station.
Five railway employees and four passengers including a woman are among dead.
Police and Rescue teams reached the site of the blast soon after getting information of the explosion.
The injured were shifted to the Quetta Civil Hospital where an emergency was declared. According to sources, the injured were in a critical condition.
Sources said the explosion took place just before a Quetta-bound Jaffar Express arrived where around 200 passengers were waiting.
The bomb disposal squad was collecting evidence to determine the nature of the blast.
"Preliminary investigation suggests that a suicide bomber was involved in the blast," said the SSP Operations.
He stated that the explosion took place when a number of passengers were at the platform to board Jaffar Express.
BALOCHISTAN CM CONDEMNS BLAST
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti condemned the incident while directing the authorities to investigate the reasons behind the blast.
"The terrorists who are killing innocent people including women, children and labourers can't be forgiven," he stressed.
He said those involved in the blast would be brought to justice.
Also Read: Acting President, PM strongly condemn Quetta Railway Station blast
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Hamza Shafqat stated that security forces were the target of terrorists and it was a suicide bombing. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility of the attack.
Quetta DC cautioned citizens to avoid going in crowded places such as bus stations as its quite impossible to control suicide bombers making innocent citizens soft target.
PM SEEKS REPORT OF BLAST
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the blast, praying for the deceased and the speedy recovery of the injured.
Read More: Initial inquiry report of the Quetta Railway station released
PM also sought an investigation report from the Balochistan government on the blast incident.
INITIAL INQUIRY REPORT ISSUED
The initial inquiry report of the Quetta Railway station blast has been issued.
According to the report, the explosion occurred at approximately 8:20am near the entrance of platform number one and there was no train present at the time of the blast.
Jafar Express was scheduled to arrive at platform number one at 8:30am and fortunately passengers at platform number two remained safe.
The nature of blast has been reported as suicide bombing and Baloch Liberation Army claimed the responsibility of the blast.