Suicide Attack on School Bus in Balochistan: A Brutal Blow to a Peaceful Future
This morning, a deadly suicide bombing shocked the Khuzdar district in Balochistan, a southwestern province of Pakistan. According to early reports, the blast targeted a school bus carrying students to the Army Public School. The explosion killed three children and one female teacher on the spot. More than 30 others, including students and pedestrians, were injured.
Deputy Commissioner Yasir Iqbal Dashti confirmed that the attack happened around 8:30 AM in the Kachha Bazaar area. A suicide attacker, armed and carrying explosives, boarded the bus and detonated the bomb in the middle section. The blast was so powerful that it split the bus in two and damaged nearby shops and houses.
Local hospitals quickly activated emergency response plans. Doctors said several of the injured are in critical condition and need immediate care to survive.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the attack, calling it “barbaric and shameful.” He said this was a planned attempt to destabilize the country. The investigation is already underway.
Background: Ongoing Conflict in Balochistan
Balochistan has long suffered from militant violence. Separatist groups like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) have been attacking security forces for years. In 2024 alone, anti-terror operations in Balochistan increased by 40%. Recently, even schools and hospitals have become targets.
On May 19, Pakistan’s army and police conducted a joint operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. They claimed to have killed 12 militants allegedly backed by India. These actions have raised tensions in the region.
Pakistan and India often accuse each other of supporting insurgents. In recent months, diplomatic tensions have worsened, impacting border security and military exercises.
Impact on Education and Future
Balochistan’s education system is already under pressure. While Army Public Schools have some security, many rural schools remain unprotected. Local educators expressed deep concern, saying such attacks destroy children's belief in a safe future. Continuous violence is weakening the region’s education foundation.
International Reaction and Next Steps
Global media outlets like Al Jazeera, AFP, and AP have reported the incident. Many world leaders have expressed condolences and condemned the attack. UN human rights teams may soon visit the site, according to agency reports.
The Pakistan government has issued a joint civil-military warning, declaring that foreign threats to national peace will not be tolerated. Officials promised strict action against anyone trying to harm the country’s stability.