A devastating car bomb exploded outside the headquarters of Pakistan’s paramilitary security forces in Quetta on Tuesday, killing at least ten people and injuring over 30 others, according to local authorities. The attack has sent shockwaves across the provincial capital of Balochistan, highlighting the persistent threat of insurgent violence in the region.

The Attack and Immediate Aftermath

Police reports indicate that six militants were involved in the assault. Eyewitnesses said the attackers stepped out of a vehicle and engaged security forces in an intense shootout before detonating the car. “All the attackers have been killed,” authorities confirmed, bringing a swift end to the violent incident.

The explosion was reportedly so powerful that residents heard it from miles away, shattering windows and causing structural damage in nearby buildings. Mohammad Usman, a local resident living near the paramilitary headquarters, described the impact vividly: “The windowpanes of my house shattered, and part of the building was damaged. But, thanks to God, we are all safe.”

Visual footage and CCTV recordings of the incident show a car stopping in front of the Frontier Constabulary compound before exploding. Gunfire erupted immediately following the blast, leaving surrounding vehicles damaged and instilling panic among locals.

Emergency Response and Medical Assistance

Ambulances quickly arrived at the scene to transport the injured to nearby hospitals, including Civil Hospital Quetta, BMC Hospital, and the Trauma Center. Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar confirmed the death toll and cautioned that casualties could rise as more victims were treated. He said, “Two law enforcement personnel were killed while the rest of the dead were civilians.” Emergency medical teams, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics, were placed on high alert to handle the influx of victims.

Local authorities cordoned off the area as rescue teams and investigators assessed the extent of the damage and began probing the nature of the attack. A senior police officer told reporters, “An investigation is underway.”

Political and Governmental Reactions

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the bombing, praising the paramilitary and security forces for their rapid and decisive response. In a strongly worded statement, President Zardari asserted, “The misguided extremists were acting on India’s agenda,” although he did not provide further details. India has not officially responded to this allegation.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti also condemned the attack and commended the security forces for their immediate response. He stated, “Terrorists cannot break the nation’s resolve through cowardly acts, and the sacrifices of our people and security forces will not go in vain.” Bugti further emphasized that his government remains committed to ensuring peace and security throughout the province.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that six attackers were involved in the assault and that all had been killed by security forces. He reiterated the resilience and effectiveness of the security apparatus in responding to such violent threats.

⚡️POWERFUL explosion ROCKS FC headquarters in Quetta, Pakistan — multiple reports

Gunfire reported and multiple fatalities pic.twitter.com/ExBz4kd2kN— RT (@RT_com) September 30, 2025

Context and Background: Balochistan’s Security Challenges

Balochistan, the largest province of Pakistan by area, has been a hotspot for insurgency and militant attacks. Separatist groups, particularly the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army, have frequently targeted civilians, government officials, and security personnel in their campaign for independence from the central government. Quetta, the provincial capital, has been repeatedly struck by violent attacks in recent months, exacerbating fears of continued unrest.

This latest attack comes only weeks after a suicide bombing outside a stadium near Quetta left at least 13 people dead and 30 others injured. That bombing occurred as supporters of a nationalist political party were leaving a rally, underscoring the persistent risks faced by civilians and security forces alike in the region.

Suspected Perpetrators

Although no group has immediately claimed responsibility for Tuesday’s attack, authorities suspect separatist outfits operating in Balochistan. These groups have a history of targeting both civilians and security personnel to destabilize the province and advance their political agendas. The attack has once again drawn attention to the ongoing challenges faced by the Pakistani government in securing Balochistan and protecting its citizens.

Eyewitness Accounts and Local Impact

Residents near the site described the blast as overwhelming and terrifying. The sound of the explosion was reported across Model Town and neighboring areas, with shattered windowpanes, damaged buildings, and debris scattering the streets. Ambulances and rescue teams worked frantically to evacuate victims, while security personnel conducted search operations in the surrounding neighborhoods to ensure there were no additional threats.

The combined force of the explosion and gunfire created widespread panic among local residents. One eyewitness commented on the chaos: “It felt like the entire neighborhood shook. People were running in every direction, trying to find safety.”

What's Ahead

The deadly car bomb outside Quetta’s paramilitary headquarters highlights the persistent threats posed by militant and separatist groups in Balochistan. With ten confirmed dead and dozens injured, the attack underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Pakistan’s security forces in safeguarding civilians and infrastructure in the province. Government leaders and security officials have vowed to maintain vigilance and restore peace, reiterating that such acts of terror will not weaken the nation’s resolve.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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