Terror Act in south-western Pakistan: Ten Die, 27 Wounded in Quetta Blast
Pakistan Times Staff Report

QUETTA: At least eleven innocent persons were killed and twenty seven injured in a bomb blast incident at Meezan Chowk, the busiest commercial area in the heart of the city. The city is in the grip of grief and agony as uneasy calm prevails.

The bomb was planted on a bicycle near a parked military truck. The authorities believed, the bomb contained fifteen to twenty kilogrammes.

The incident occurred at ten past four in the evening. Some army persons are also among the dead and injured. The blast damaged a military truck and some other vehicles parked in front of the Municipal Plaza.

The dead bodies of the innocent people and the injured were rushed to hospital where large number of people gathered in search of their relatives and friends to Identity the dead bodies of the deceased.

The law enforcing agencies including secret services inspected the site and the area was completely sealed off. The Balochistan province has become soft area for the terrorist attacks at the public places. Khuzdar, Sui area, Kahaan in Marri Agency, Barkhan and Quetta have become easy targets as the miscreants go scot free.

The observers pointed out that it was high time that the devolution plan should be held in abeyance to improve the law and order situation as the plan proved counter productive in a province where mega projects have been launched.

Balochistan which achieved the status of province 34 years ago needs more time to develop democratic culture what to speak of giving responsibilities to the Nazims who are novice for want of training and experience.

Meanwhile, President General Pervez Musharraf has strongly condemned the blast at Quetta and vowed to take strict action against the terrorists.

President Musharraf termed the blast an act of elements working against peace and development in the country and expressed resolve to foil their attempts. He said such incidents cannot deter the government from carrying on its development projects. He said development works of national importance would continue, particularly in Balochistan, so as to bring it at par with the rest of the country.

President Musharraf expressed his heartfelt condolence to the families of those who lost their lives. He prayed for the departed souls and expressed sympathies with their families. He said the terrorists who targeted the innocent, would not be spared. He also called for concerted and coordinated efforts to track down the terrorists.

Balochistan Minister for Health Hafiz Hamdullah visited Civil Hospital soon after the blast to enquire about the health of the injured. He directed the hospital administration to provide all possible treatment facilities to the injured. He also declared emergency in the hospital and asked all the doctors and para medical staff to immediately arrive at their duty places.

Later, talking to newsmen, the Minister condemned the incident and said that most of the people who were killed and injured are vendors, push cart holders, and key makers who earn Rs50 to 100 per day to feed their families.

He said condition of the injured, excluding a few, are satisfactory and added that all the required medicines and other essential equipment are available in the hospital in sufficient quantity to ensure better treatment to the injured.

About the identification of the deceased, he said, the people were visiting the hospital in great number to identify the bodies. “we will hand over the bodies to their legal heirs after their identification and completion of the legal procedure”, he added.

Replying to a question, he said it is still not confirmed whether the bomb was planted in the cycle or any vehicle and added that investigation in this regard is in progress.●