At least three security personnel were martyred, and over 20 suffered injuries when a suicide attack took place near the Frontier Corps (FC) checkpost on Mastung Road in Quetta on Sunday.
Deputy Inspector General of Quetta police Azhar Akram confirmed the explosion amid fears that the casualties may rise.
The police said that soon after the incident, police, rescue officials and other law enforcement agencies reached the site and started a rescue operation. The officials added that the injured have been shifted to a nearby hospital where most of them are in critical condition.
They said the suicide blast occurred near the Sohana Khan FC checkpost at Mastung Road, Quetta.
Meanwhile, law-enforcement agencies are gathering evidence from the blast site, while a further probe is underway. Reports suggest the suicide bomber rammed his motorcycle into the vehicle of a law enforcement agency at the checkpost.
Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove condemned the attack on security forces and sought a report of the incident. He said security forces have given countless sacrifices in the war against terrorism and this war will continue till the restoration of peace.
He added that the attack will not lower the morale of the forces.
Prime Minister Imran Khan also condemned the attack, offering condolences to the families of the martyrs and prayers for the recovery of the injured.
“[I] Salute our security forces and their sacrifices to keep us safe by thwarting foreign-backed terrorists’ designs,” he tweeted.
Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari also condemned the attack.
The attack follows the one on August 9 when two policemen were martyred and eight others injured in an explosion near Quetta’s Serena Hotel.
Four passers-by were also wounded in the blast that targeted a police mobile near Tanzeem Chowk. Police said the bomb was fitted into a motorcycle.
There has been an increase in such incidents in recent weeks with several attacks having taken place targeting Pakistan’s security personnel and civilians.
This is a developing story, and will be updated accordingly