At least 14 killed, 20 injured in suicide bombing targeting shuttle train in Quetta

• Balochistan govt and ISPR confirm three FC personnel among martyrs as Vehicle-borne bombing derails train coaches, torches vehicles near site

• ISPR says civilians deliberately targeted to spread fear and instability as security forces launch investigations, hunt facilitators and perpetrators

• Entire family of four among victims in devastating explosion

• Emergency declared in Quetta hospitals as rescue operation intensifies

• Blast near Chaman Phatak heard across distant parts of Quetta

• CM Bugti personally monitors relief and security response after attack

 QUETTA: At least 14 people, including three Frontier Corps (FC) personnel, were martyred and 20 others injured when a vehicle-borne suicide bombing ripped through a shuttle train near Chaman Phatak in Quetta on Sunday morning, according to the Balochistan government, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) and state-run APP.

Hours after the attack, the Balochistan government confirmed with “profound grief and deep concern” that a shuttle train service near Chaman Phatak had been targeted in a suicide bombing.

“This cowardly act of terrorism is not only an attack on innocent human lives but also a heinous attempt to undermine peace, stability, and normal civic life in Balochistan,” the provincial government said in a statement.

Citing initial reports, the statement said 14 people embraced martyrdom while 20 others sustained injuries, including women and children.

“Among the martyrs were three personnel of the Frontier Corps, while the majority of victims were civilians, including pedestrians, passengers, bystanders and residents living in houses adjacent to the blast site,” it added.

حکومت بلوچستان کا کوئٹہ چمن پھاٹک کے قریب دہشت گردی کے واقعہ پر گہرے دکھ اور افسوس کا اظہار۔

معصوم شہریوں کو ٹارگٹ کرنے کی شدید مذمت کرتے ہیں، قیمتی انسانی جانوں کے ضیاع پر دلی دکھ اور افسوس ہے، دہشت گرد عناصر کسی رعایت کے مستحق نہیں۔ وزیر اعلیٰ بلوچستان میر سرفراز بگٹی صورتحال…

— Govt. of Balochistan (@dpr_gob) May 24, 2026

The statement further said an entire family of four — father, mother, son and daughter — lost their lives in the devastating explosion, plunging the province into mourning.

According to officials, emergency response measures were launched immediately after the attack, while rescue teams shifted the injured to Civil Hospital Quetta for treatment.

 The ISPR also confirmed the martyrdom of three FC personnel and said several others were critically injured in the terrorist attack near Chaman Phatak.

“The deliberate targeting of civilians, including women, children and ordinary passengers, highlights how these elements intentionally attack soft civilian targets to spread fear and instability rather than confront the state directly,” the military’s media wing said.

The ISPR described the bombing as a reflection of the “desperation of anti-Pakistan terrorist proxies seeking to disturb peace and create panic through indiscriminate violence against innocent people during a period of improving stability and normalcy.”

According to the military’s media wing, security forces and law enforcement agencies immediately cordoned off the area, launched investigations and initiated efforts to trace facilitators and perpetrators involved in the attack.

The ISPR further stated that the martyrdom of FC personnel while protecting civilians underscored the continued sacrifices being rendered by Pakistan’s security forces against externally backed terrorist violence.

It added that such attacks could not weaken public resolve, as the people of Pakistan, particularly the citizens of Balochistan, continued to stand with the state and security institutions against enemies of peace and stability.

Earlier, Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said militants had targeted unarmed civilians, adding that women and children were among the casualties.

“Evidence is being collected and investigations are underway,” he said, terming the targeting of public places proof of the “terrorists’ confusion.”

Quetta Police SP Qadir Qumbrani told media that the shuttle train was travelling from Quetta Garrison toward Quetta Railway Station when it was attacked shortly after 8am. He warned that the death toll could rise as several injured victims remained in critical condition.

The powerful blast caused extensive destruction in the surrounding area, damaging nearby buildings and vehicles. Two train carriages derailed, while multiple vehicles parked nearby were reduced to charred wreckage after catching fire.

State-run APP, citing railway authorities, reported that rescue trucks and a relief train were dispatched to assist emergency operations, while the explosion derailed three coaches, including the locomotive, and overturned two others.

Authorities declared an emergency in all major government hospitals in Quetta, summoning doctors, paramedical staff and emergency personnel on an urgent basis. Officials said all available medical resources were being utilised to provide treatment to the injured.

The provincial government said Section 144 had already been imposed in the area amid prevailing security concerns and that law enforcement personnel had been deployed for preventive security measures prior to the attack.

Following the blast, the district administration established a central control room at the office of the Quetta deputy commissioner to coordinate relief and rescue operations, while a dedicated monitoring and coordination cell was activated at the Home Department.

The explosion was heard across several distant parts of the city, triggering panic among residents. Eyewitness videos showed thick plumes of smoke rising from the site, mangled train carriages lying overturned and rescue workers carrying blood-soaked victims away on stretchers as armed security personnel secured the area.

One video showed nearly 10 vehicles, mostly small cars, engulfed in flames and smoke, while ambulances rushed to the blast site.

Mohammad Rahim, who lives near the scene, told AFP that he and his family woke up in panic after hearing a massive explosion.

“My family and I jumped out of our beds when we heard a loud bang,” he said. “I heard screaming and the crying of women and children in the building, including my family.”

Another witness, Abdul Basit, said he was standing in line to buy breakfast when the blast occurred. “People started running for shelter,” he told AFP.

Mujib Ahmad, whose car was damaged in the explosion, said he immediately feared it was a terrorist attack after hearing the blast.

Around noon, officials said Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti was personally monitoring the evolving situation and rescue efforts.

 ‘Centre vows full support to Balochistan after deadly Quetta suicide attack’

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday reached Quetta following the deadly suicide bombing near Chaman Phatak and jointly chaired a high-level security meeting with Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, reaffirming that the federal government stood firmly with Balochistan “in this hour of grief.”

According to a statement issued by the Interior Ministry, Balochistan’s police chief presented an initial report on the devastating blast during the meeting.

وفاقی وزیرداخلہ محسن نقوی اور وزیر اعلی بلوچستان میر سرفراز بگٹی کی زیر صدارت خصوصی اجلاس
آئی جی بلوچستان پولیس نے کوئٹہ چمن پھاٹک کے قریب دھماکے کی ابتدائی رپورٹ پیش کی
اجلاس میں معصوم لوگوں پر بزدلانہ حملے کی پرزور مذمت۔ شہداء کے خاندانوں سے دلی ہمدردی و اظہار تعزیت pic.twitter.com/Usjpz6aR2L

— Ministry of Interior GoP (@MOIofficialGoP) May 24, 2026

“The meeting strongly condemned the cowardly attack on innocent people and extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives,” the statement said.

It added that the federal government “stands with the Balochistan government in this hour of grief,” describing the targeting of innocent civilians as an act of “savagery.”

The statement quoted Interior Minister Naqvi as saying that the sacrifices of the martyrs would always be remembered, while Chief Minister Bugti thanked the federal government for standing by Balochistan during difficult times.

“We are grateful to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. He has stood with Balochistan in every difficult time,” Bugti said

شہداء کے خاندانوں کو تنہا نہیں چھوڑیں گے۔ میر سرفراز بگٹی
زخمیوں کے بہتر علاج معالجے کی خود نگرانی کر رہا ہوں۔ میر سرفراز بگٹی
آئی جی بلوچستان پولیس اور قانون نافذ کرنے والے اداروں کے افسران کی اجلاس میں شرکت

— Ministry of Interior GoP (@MOIofficialGoP) May 24, 2026

The chief minister also vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, saying terrorists linked to “Fitna al-Hindustan” would be relentlessly pursued.

وزیر داخلہ محسن نقوی کے شکر گزار ہیں ہر مشکل گھڑی میں وہ بلوچستان کے ساتھ رہے ہیں۔ میر سرفراز بگٹی
شہداء کے خون کے مقروض ہیں۔ وزیر اعلی بلوچستان
فتنہ الہندوستان کے دہشتگردوں کو منطقی انجام تک پہنچائیں گے۔ میر سرفراز بگٹی

— Ministry of Interior GoP (@MOIofficialGoP) May 24, 2026

The state has designated the term “Fitna al-Hindustan” for terrorist organisations operating in Balochistan to highlight India’s alleged role in terrorism and destabilisation activities inside Pakistan.

According to the statement, senior officers of law enforcement agencies, including the Balochistan Inspector General Police, also attended the meeting.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), in its incident report, said the blast occurred near a railway track in the Chaman Phatak area of Quetta. Several train coaches caught fire following the explosion, prompting emergency rescue operations.

Rescue teams remained engaged in extinguishing the fire, shifting the injured to hospitals and assisting affected passengers and residents.

 BLA claims responsibility

The outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack.

In a statement, the banned militant outfit said its Majid Brigade carried out what it described as a “highly organised” suicide attack targeting the shuttle train, which it alleged was carrying army personnel from Quetta Cantonment.

Nationwide condemnation pours in

President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the attack, saying acts of terrorism were aimed at harming the people of Pakistan and undermining the country’s efforts for global peace and stability.

PRESIDENT’S SECRETARIAT
(Media Wing)
*****

PRESS RELEASE

President condemns Quetta terrorist attack, vows decisive defeat of perpetrators and their networks

Islamabad: 24 May 2026 — President Asif Ali Zardari has strongly condemned the terrorist incident in Quetta and…

— Murtaza Solangi (@murtazasolangi) May 24, 2026

According to the Presidency, the president said hostile elements were attempting to sabotage Pakistan’s initiatives serving humanitarian objectives, peace and development.

He warned that terrorists, their facilitators, financiers and those providing safe havens would be defeated, adding that Pakistan would foil every conspiracy against peace, stability and national security.

“The blood of the martyrs will not go unaccounted for,” the president said, adding that Pakistan would neither forget nor forgive terrorists and their patrons.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also strongly condemned the “heinous bomb explosion,” saying such cowardly acts could not weaken the resolve of the Pakistani nation.

“We remain steadfast in our determination to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” the premier said in a post on X.

I strongly condemn the heinous bomb explosion near Chaman Phatak, Quetta, which has resulted in the tragic loss of innocent lives and left many others injured.

Such cowardly acts of terrorism cannot weaken the resolve of the people of Pakistan. We remain steadfast in our…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 24, 2026

He extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, adding that the entire nation stood in solidarity with the people of Balochistan.

Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi also condemned the attack, describing it as a “cowardly act of terrorism” aimed at destabilising Pakistan.

In a statement, Abbasi alleged that anti-Pakistan elements operating from India and Afghanistan were sponsoring terrorism to create unrest in the country. He directed authorities to submit an immediate report on the incident and reaffirmed that Pakistan Railways operations would continue uninterrupted despite the attack.

وفاقی وزیر ریلوے کی کوئٹہ میں ہونے والے دھماکے کی شدید مذمت

واقعہ بزدلانہ دہشت گردی، ایسے حملے قومی عزم کو کمزور نہیں کر سکتے

کوئٹہ کینٹ سے آنے والی شٹل ٹرین چمن پھاٹک کے قریب دھماکے کی زد میں آئی

امدادی کارروائیوں کے لیے ریسکیو ٹرک اور ریلیف ٹرین جائے وقوعہ پر روانہ

— Pakistan Railways (@PakrailPK) May 24, 2026

Calling terrorists “enemies of humanity,” the minister vowed that militant networks operating against Pakistan would not be allowed to succeed in their “nefarious designs.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar termed the attack a “savage act of terrorism targeting innocent civilians on a shuttle train near Chaman Phatak.”

“The tragic explosion has claimed precious lives and left many others injured,” Dar said in a statement on X, expressing condolences to the victims’ families and prayers for the injured.

Strongly condemn the savage act of terrorism targeting innocent civilians on a shuttle train near Chaman Phatak, Quetta. The tragic explosion has claimed precious lives and left many others injured.

My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and prayers for the…

— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) May 24, 2026

He also paid tribute to rescue workers, police, armed forces and health personnel for their swift response, adding that Pakistan stood in complete solidarity with the people of Balochistan.

“Such heinous acts cannot and will not weaken Pakistan’s resolve to eradicate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” Dar said.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti condemned the attack and said terrorists linked to “Fitna al-Hindustan” had once again demonstrated brutality by targeting innocent civilians, including women and children.

“Those who shed the blood of innocent people deserve no leniency,” he said.

کوئٹہ میں چمن پھاٹک کے قریب دہشت گردی کے واقعے کی شدید مذمت کرتا ہوں۔ فتنہ الہندوستان کے دہشت گرد معصوم شہریوں، خواتین اور بچوں کو نشانہ بنا کر اپنی درندگی کا ثبوت دے رہے ہیں۔ بے گناہ لوگوں کا خون بہانے والے کسی رعایت کے مستحق نہیں۔ دشمن سن لے، بلوچستان میں دہشت گردوں کیلئے کوئی…

— Sarfraz Bugti (@PakSarfrazbugti) May 24, 2026

The chief minister warned militant groups that no safe haven would remain for terrorists in Balochistan.

“We will hunt down the terrorists, their facilitators and masterminds one by one and bring them to justice, and this war will continue until the last terrorist is eliminated,” Bugti vowed.

Adviser to the Balochistan chief minister on political and media affairs Shahid Rind also condemned the attack, calling it a cowardly assault on unarmed civilians. He said attacks on public places reflected the “panic and desperation” of terrorist elements and reiterated that the blood of the martyrs would not go in vain.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed grief over the loss of lives, stating that such attacks by anti-state elements could neither shake Pakistan’s resolve nor derail its pursuit of peace and stability.

Strongly condemn the suicide blast at the Quetta -Chaman railway gate and the tragic loss of innocent lives in this heinous act of terrorism. Such attacks by anti-state elements cannot and will not shake Pakistan’s resolve or disturb our pursuit of peace and stability.
May Allah…

— Faisal Karim Kundi (@fkkundi) May 24, 2026

“We remain resolute, united and firmly standing shoulder to shoulder with our armed forces in the complete eradication of terrorism from our homeland,” he said in a statement.

KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also expressed condolences to the victims’ families and described the attack as a “serious crime against humanity.”

“Targeting innocent civilians reflects open brutality and the failed mindset of anti-peace elements,” he said, adding that terrorism was a challenge faced collectively by the entire country and required a united national response.

National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also strongly condemned the deadly blast and expressed profound sorrow over the loss of innocent lives.

According to a statement shared by the National Assembly, the speaker extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and said targeting innocent civilians was a shameful and cowardly act contrary to humanity and the teachings of all religions.

Speaker National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, has strongly denounced the deadly explosion near Chaman Railway Crossing and expressed profound grief over the tragic loss of innocent lives.

NA Speaker extended heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the bereaved families,… https://t.co/jLoeCPhZfd

— National Assembly 🇵🇰 (@NAofPakistan) May 24, 2026

Human Rights Commission of Pakistan

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan in a statement on X said it was "gravely alarmed by the escalating insecurity across Balochistan, where civilians, workers, passengers, and law enforcement personnel are increasingly vulnerable to violence, abduction, and attacks on public infrastructure."

HRCP is gravely alarmed by the escalating insecurity across Balochistan, where civilians, workers, passengers, and law enforcement personnel are increasingly vulnerable to violence, abduction, and attacks on public infrastructure.

Today’s bombing of a passenger train in Quetta,…

— Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) May 24, 2026

It added that the bombing in Quetta "marks a deeply disturbing acceleration in attacks on civilians in the province."

The commission called on stated that "it is unacceptable for civilians and non-combatants to be used as bargaining tools in situations of conflict and insecurity," urging the federal and provincial governments to prioritise civilian protection and ensure accountability for rights abuses by all actors.

 Iran's Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam

Iran's Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam took to X to "categorically and with the strongest words" condemn the "cowardly and heinous" attack personally and on behalf of the Government of Iran.

On behalf of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and myself, categorically and with the strongest words, i condemn the cowardly and heinous suicide terrorist act on the Quetta railway, which lead to the deaths of more than 20 innocent civilians.

Terrorism is a… pic.twitter.com/6eFQYL8xSP

— Reza Amiri Moghadam (@IranAmbPak) May 24, 2026

"Terrorism is a condemnable phenomenon in all its forms all over the world," the ambassador said.

He added, "The malicious and mischievous acts against the civil transportation infrastructure that serve for the human development and the smooth movements of the passengers and consignments needed for the development of trade, are examples of crimes against humanity and reflect the malicious, infirm and inhumane minds of the perpetrators, founders and supporters of this heinous phenomenon."

The ambassador expressed "heartfelt and sincere condolences" to the government and people of Pakistan, "especially to the bereaved families who lost loved ones."

UK High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott

The United Kingdom's High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott stated that she was "absolutely appalled" by the "cowardly terrorist attack" in a statement on X.

I am absolutely appalled by today's cowardly terrorist attack on a train in Quetta, which has left at least 24 people dead and several more injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with the martyrs and their families.

— Jane Marriott (@JaneMarriottUK) May 24, 2026

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the martyrs and their families," Marriott said.

Russian Embassy in Pakistan

The Embassy of Russia in Pakistan condemned the attack, expressing hope "that those who organised this attack will be identified and brought to justice."

❗️The Embassy of Russia in Pakistan strongly condemns the May 24 terrorist attack in the vicinity of a railway station in Quetta, Balochistan province.

We hope that those who organized this attack will be identified and brought to justice.

We extend our deepest condolences to… pic.twitter.com/hJOzdF0FYE

— Embassy of Russia in Pakistan (@RusEmbPakistan) May 24, 2026

"We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims and wish all those injured a speedy recovery," it said.

Chinese Embassy in Pakistan

The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan also extended "deep condolences to the deceased victims and sincere sympathies to the bereaved families."

We strongly condemn the terrorist attack near Chaman Phatak, Quetta, extend our deep condolences to the deceased victims and sincere sympathies to the bereaved families, and wish for the early recovery of the injured. We firmly oppose any form of terrorism and will, as always,…

— Chinese Emb Pakistan (@CathayPak) May 24, 2026

It added that it opposes "any form of terrorism and will, as always, firmly support Pakistan in combating terrorism and protecting the safety of the people."

"We stand firmly with our Pakistani brothers and sisters at this moment," the embassy stated.

United States Embassy in Pakistan

The United States condemned in the strongest terms today's terrorist attack in Quetta, which killed and wounded numerous innocent civilians. The Balochistan Liberation Army – a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization – has claimed responsibility for this heinous act.

The United States condemns in the strongest terms today's terrorist attack in Quetta, which killed and wounded numerous innocent civilians. The Balochistan Liberation Army – a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization – has claimed responsibility for this heinous act.

We…

— U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) May 24, 2026

In post on X, the embassy said: “We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed and injured.  The people of Pakistan deserve to live in security and peace, free from the threat of terrorist violence.”