Bomb Blast on School Bus in Balochistan Kills Five, Including Children

Bomb Blast on School Bus in Balochistan Kills Five, Including Children

A devastating bomb explosion targeted a school bus in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, resulting in the deaths of at least five individuals, including three children, and injuring dozens more. The incident occurred around 07:40 local time (02:40 GMT) near the remote town of Khuzdar.

Details of the Incident:

The bus, carrying approximately 40 schoolchildren, exploded just outside Khuzdar. Images circulating on social media depict the charred remains of the vehicle, with scattered backpacks indicating the presence of young victims.

Lack of Responsibility Claim:

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. However, Balochistan has been a hotspot for a longstanding insurgency, with various separatist groups operating in the region.

Government Response:

Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, condemned the attack as “sheer barbarism,” labeling the perpetrators as “beasts who target children” in an attempt to destabilize the country.

Geopolitical Implications:

The Pakistani military has accused neighboring India and its proxies in Balochistan of orchestrating the explosion, though no concrete evidence has been presented. This accusation comes amid heightened tensions between the two nations following a recent two-week conflict.

Background on Regional Violence:

Earlier in March, a train siege in Balochistan’s Sibi district resulted in the deaths of 21 civilians and four military personnel. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group designated as a terrorist organization by Pakistan, the UK, and the US, claimed responsibility for that attack.

Human Rights Concerns:

Baloch activists have accused Pakistan’s security forces of human rights violations, including the enforced disappearances of thousands of ethnic Baloch individuals over the past two decades. These allegations highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of the conflict in the region.