At least five children lost their lives while more than 40 others sustained injuries when an explosion struck a school bus near Zero Point on the Karachi-Quetta National Highway in Khuzdar on Wednesday.
According to local authorities, the blast occurred when a school bus carrying children passed by a vehicle rigged with explosives parked along the roadside.
The incident took place around the busy Zero Point area, a key junction on the national highway.
“The explosive material was planted in a vehicle on the roadside. As the school bus approached, it was detonated remotely,” a senior police official said, adding that an investigation is underway to determine the nature of the device and the perpetrators involved.
DC Khuzdar says explosion was suicide attack
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Khuzdar confirmed that the blast claimed the lives of five children and injured over 40 others. He stated that the injured have been shifted to Combined Military Hospital (CMH) for treatment.
The Deputy Commissioner further added that the explosion was a suicide attack, and investigations are underway to identify those behind the incident.
Condemnations pour in
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the Khuzdar blast, expressing deep sorrow and regret over the deaths of the children. In a statement, he extended heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of the deceased.
“The beasts who target innocent children do not deserve any concession,” said Mohsin Naqvi. “This barbaric attack on a school bus is a heinous conspiracy aimed at destabilising the country. Every conspiracy will be foiled by the unity of the nation.”
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan took to X (formerly Twitter) to denounce the attack, calling it “condemnable and regrettable.” He described terrorism against innocent children as the “height of brutality and cowardice.”
“After being defeated on the battlefield, India is in panic and resorting to low tactics,” he added. “This is a great tragedy on which the entire nation mourns. May Allah Almighty grant the innocent children a high place in heaven. We stand with the affected families in this hour of grief and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
