QUETTA: A suicide bomber targeted the emergency services ward at Quetta’s Civil Hospital Monday, killing at least 70 people and leaving scores injured.
Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) splinter group, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA), has claimed responsibility for the bombing which occurred at the gates of the building housing the emergency ward.
“The bomber had strapped some eight kilograms of explosives packed with ball bearings and shrapnel on his body,” bomb disposal unit chief Abdul Razzaq said.
“The blast took place after a number of lawyers and some journalists had gathered at the hospital following the death of the president of the Balochistan Bar Association in a separate shooting incident this morning," said Balochistan Home Secretary Akbar Harifal.
What we know so far
- Loud explosion inside Quetta's Civil Hospital
- At least 70 people killed, many injured
- Attack carried out by a suicide bomber
- Blast followed killing of senior lawyer in Quetta
- CM Balochistan says RAW behind terrorism in Quetta
- Cameramen from DawnNews and Aaj TV were also killed in the explosion
The bomber struck as more than 100 mourners, mostly lawyers and journalists, crowded into the emergency department to accompany the body of Advocate Bilal Anwar Kasi, Faridullah, a journalist who was among the wounded, told Reuters.
Condemning the attack, Balochistan Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri told local TV channel Geo News that Indian intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) was behind terror incidents in Quetta.
The CM shared this statement with the media before initial investigations into the blast were completed, and before the nature of the blast was confirmed.
Abdul Rehman, the director at the Civil Hospital, said the bombing killed 70 people, mostly lawyers. He said they were also treating 92 wounded in the explosion.
Former president of Balochistan Bar Association Baz Mohammad Kakar was among the lawyers killed.
Journalists present at the premises also came in the line of fire and a cameraman for DawnNews, Mahmood Khan, who was severely injured in the explosion, later passed away. Shehzad Khan, a cameraman associated with Aaj TV, was killed in the blast.
An emergency was declared in hospitals across Quetta and several injured were shifted to other hospitals for treatment.
"This was a security lapse," Balochistan Home Minister Sarfaraz Bugti said, adding that he was personally investigating the attack. He said the hospital had not received any threats in the past.
Following the blast in Quetta, Inspector General (IG) police A.D. Khawaja issued a high security alert across Sindh.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif strongly condemned the blast in Quetta and expressed his “deep grief and anguish over the loss of precious human lives” in the attack.
“No one will be allowed to disturb the peace in the province that has been restored thanks to the countless sacrifices by the security forces, police and the people of Balochistan,” he said in a statement.
UN chief condemns bombing
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the “terrorist bombing”, saying it was “particularly appalling” that the suicide attack targeted a group of mourners.
“The targeting of mourners at a civilian hospital makes the attack particularly appalling,” said Ban's spokesman Farhan Haq.
Ban urged the Pakistani government to do its utmost to bring those behind the attack to justice.
Lawyers targeted
Lawyers have been targeted several times in the last few months in Balochistan.
A lawyer, Jahanzeb Alvi, was shot dead by unknown armed men in the Brewery road area of Quetta last week on Aug 3.
Advocate Bilal Kasi, who himself was shot dead on the morning of Monday's blast, had strongly condemned the murder of Advocate Alvi and announced two days’ boycott of courts proceedings.
The principal of University of Balochistan's law college, Barrister Amanullah Achakzai, was also shot dead by unknown assailants on Spini Road here in June.
Balochistan has been experiencing incidents of violence and targeted killings for over a decade. More than 1,400 incidents targeting the minority Shia and Hazara community have taken place in the province during the past 15 years.
The largest province of the country by area, is home to a low-level insurgency by ethnic Baloch separatists. Al Qaeda-linked and sectarian militants also operate in the region. The province shares borders with Afghanistan and Iran.
Facebook safety check
Social networking site Facebook activated its "safety check" feature after the blast in Quetta.
The feature allows people to mark themselves or others 'safe' in any incident or catastrophe, and let their loved ones know about their state.
Comments (325) Closed
Hopefully no one gets hurt :(
May god protect the people.
sad news
fully planned attack.
Poor intelligence from air to ground, enhance reward and security for the informers...
Very sad, very unfortunate news. May their souls rest in peace. Let peace prevails every nook and corner in the world.
My goodness! Why to comment and what to comment. Time and again people are killed alike at free will and we just limit ourselves to condemnation, condolences, investigation and nothing more and nothing else till we hear of next killing. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Kuwait
This is terrible incident! It's sad. It's time to stop this good and bad terrorist theory!
Accurate news should be reported otherwise people get panicked on the misleading news.
The news seems to be incomplete..who killed the senior laweyer?
it is good luck for me and for my friend because of parents prayers and friends best wishes ,we just left the civil hospital after one minute the bomb was blast where bomb blast there we were present in civil hospital emergency room beside dead body of martyred lawyer share our sympathy with effected family and colleague of lawyer , i say with full confidence and authority that this bomb blast was the big lapse security personal at the time of celebrating the mourning of killed lawyer of their lawyer friends because only two personals of police were there at main gate of hospital,we request from army to deploy their forces all over Baluchistan and control and take full authorities from provincial government because the totally failed to provide protection and peaceful environment for people of the province
we need to improve intelligence other we cannot take over such kind of incidents.
I did Matric in 1960 from Govt Special High School, Quetta and I know how nice the residents are who never ever disputed about ethnicity and though I am Urdu speaking Sunni but had many friends from Shias, Sunnis, Christians and Hindus speaking Pushto, Brohi and Urdu. I really fail to understand as to how the atmosphere has changed so drastically and for quite many years people are killed in Quetta which had been the most peaceful city in the country. flew out from Lahore in 1976 and since then I am overseas but believe you me I still relish those few years which I spent in Quetta. I did LL. B from PU Law College 1966-69 and had Mirza, my class fellow from Quetta who must be Sr Lawyer Supreme Court for sure. Please publish my email facilitating to find my school / university friends, ehsan hoga. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / zaidi.formerdiplomat@hotmail.com
My sincere condolences to the families of the bereaved. Violence cannot be condoned as nothing justifies it.
Tragic. It shows the barbarism of the terrorists - killing innocents.
@peer muhammad Any amount of protection is not good enough ! Unless the root cause of the issue is addressed there is no hope.
Who wanted Bilal Anwar Kasi dead? Were militants hoping judges would show up at the hospital? The lawyers need investigative help on this one. Militants inside Pakistan are never going away. They have to be murdered in cold blood the same way they murder citizens in cold blood. Pakistan is caught in an undeclared civil war with religious militants and their criminal allies.
why, for God sake stop this.
It is a very bad news. Should consider why such attacks are frequent? Why suicide attacks? Statistics have shown that in religious societies, suicides are minimum.
@Khuram Nisar when you and your near ones affected in such event then think you would comment like that...
Very Sad Incident . RIP ! There is no good or Bad Terrorism .
5 to 30 dead is too shocking and I wish the figure does not exceed any further. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi
:( when will this stop???? Human blood is so cheap :(
Heartfelt condolences with grieved families
At least Provincial mourning, if not national mourning, be declared honoring those innocent lives who are lost today. I know for sure that those who are killed cannot be brought back to life even if global mourning is declared what to talk of provincial / national mourning but nevertheless by issuing mourning orders at least the grieving families will be consoled to some extent. I litterly BEG, not just request, Governor and Chief Minister to immediately declare mourning and monetary compensation (optional), yeh appka ehsan e azeem hoga. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Former Diplomat in Kuwait.
It's a very sad day
Very unfortunate incidence. There seem to be lack of co-ordination between intel agencies, hence, Intel based operations is lacking, which is to prevent such incidence. Handover Quetta to the Rangers.
@Fida Hussain Advocate ...Make them ( the intelligent authorities ) accountable then they will perform well.
Heartfelt condolences with the effected families... and those who are martyred in this catastrophe, may their soul be in rest.
see the doctor who is working on road ,, She deserve to be thanked by the nation.
Very sad indeed. Hope all Good and bad terrorists will die one day.
lets know differentiate good and bad terrorist... if we do that, there will be peace in the world
Salam, Please continue to update often.
Very Sad. I think its time for reconsigning that there is no good and bad terrorist.
@Desi Dimag you are right. Very sad news .Good & bad terrorism concept should be derailed.
Pakistan must root out its enemies based internally and externally.
"The CM shared this statement with the media before initial investigations into today's blast were completed, and before the nature of the blast was confirmed."
This says its all, how incomponent pakistan leaders are becoming. One who digs others grave is bound to fall in that grave, this is story of terrorism in pakistan and hopefully pakistan learns quickly from this..else i think point no coming back is coming for pakistan..u cannot use terror as mode of state policy, there are no good or bad terrorists.
Very sad.. This all is due to good and bad terrorist differentiation.
Painful to hear and hard to digest that a bomber will get to know about the collection of so many belonging to one section of people, lawyers in this case, to time his attack. Terrorism anywhere in the world needs to be condemned.
what kind of insane people can attack a hospital.. this is just unthinkable for any human
This is intelligence failure.
It will keep happening until you remain silence over injustice.
You can't stop it with mere condemnation Mr Prime minister! You need drastic changes at grassroot level. You can't stop a suicide bomber until you change their mind and get hold of institutions producing such evil souls.
Very sad incident. May almighty give strength to the bereaved family and rest the soul in peace. It is high time to stop playing with the lives of innocents. The militancy all forms to be strictly eliminated.
Solidarity from across.
How is CM so sure prior any investigation?
@Sekhar there is nothing
Its Sad to hear such news. Pakistan has the ability to take necessary actions but unfortunately they don't wish to do. Please stop blindly blaming India for any incidents.
Condolences from an Indian. Life of innocent on all nationalities and religions is precious and loss of life of civilians is painful.
rest in peace
RIP the victims! The solution is to stop differentiating good & bad terrorists anywhere.
"CM shared this statement with the media before initial investigations into the blast were completed, and before the nature of the blast was confirmed."
Need i say more. This would not stop the daily bombings in Pakistan. Pakistan must come out of ostrich mode.
@Naeem Javid Muhammad Hassani , he is not a matured politician. It is no time to politicking at this dire times. Condolences to the family and residents of Quetta.
such a sad news
Very sad, innocents lost their lives for no reason. What kind of humans we are!
Pakistan should treat all terrorists as same from now onwards.
Stop interfering in other countries and enjoy peace in your own country.
@GS Plse do tell what is root cause, which can justify the death of so many innocent people in a civil Hospital. Plse do Tell.
The only way to stop this is have zero tolerance for ALL forms of terrorists - the government , media and army need to move away from condemning some forms of terrorism while supporting others types . There is no good Taliban and bad Taliban - they are all bad - it baffles me as to why we still have not learned this
Very tragic and sad incident. Innocent lives lost in yet another terrorist attack. The strategy to combat terrorism needs to be given a second look to make it more effective to prevent such attacks in the future. The state should improve the intelligence and security apparatus to effectively deal with and diffuse terrorist threats and provide safety and security to its citizens. What has gone wrong and where? The enemy is hell bent on destabilizing our country. We as a nation should stand firm and united to frustrate the nefarious designs of the enemy and defeat terrorism with our national resolve and determination. Pakistan will emerge victorious.
Pakistan has to stop this dangerous game of promoting proxies. If terrorists are eliminated regardless of their so called objective, Pakistan can have good sleep. A country has to learn from the mistakes of the past for a better future.
May god give the strength to families of lost one's. When India and pakistan stop blaming each other for their miseries, they can work on their own security.
Sad & Painful that, 53 human life lost due to some mad / Sick minded.... Hope Pakistani govt become more assertive in controlling terrorism.... NO MORE BAD / GOOD TERRORISM... Gus only with Security forces....
Another Black Day..
@Desi Dimag Can't you understand that civil authorities [Police] should be deployed to maintain law and order and not the Army. When will we learn to strengthen the civil infrastructure?
Very Disappointing to hear such attacks,I urge Govt. to take necessary and strict action on such act.
@Timeto stopthis So you are accepting it that this is from those countries?
So sad to read this news. This is madness. So many families shattered for no fault of theirs. Only god almighty can help pakistan from this madness.
Seems they were bad terrorist !
@Rajesh You first start this not we.
@Shaikh Mohommad Sir I totally agree solution is to strengthen the civilian infrastructure and educate the masses. Many of my friends have so beautiful and peaceful memories of Quetta which was once nick named as city of settlers.
Heard that the neighboring country will be sending medical teams to help the injured.
RIP, to all who killed in blast, .....is there any solution to stop coward attacks!!!
@Amit Sharma Please do not try to play politics at the time of grief of a nation. We know how to clean the mess and we know what is good and bad for us please with great respect leave us alone if can not sympathies with us
After a relative period of calm, this is happening, and we cant ignore the fact that when things are going Pakistans way,
It's to start covert ops inside Quetta, there must be sleeper cells where terrorists are hiding
This is time of grief and sorrow for the great loss of educated class of Baluchistan who stayed there against all odds. But be strong do not be shattered. Mess of many years can not be cleaned in few days. Barbaric inhuman and senseless attack on a hospital can not be justified on any ground or ideology. Baluchistan is in eye of storm due to CPEC which is becoming pain for many and which is matter of survival of beloved Baluchistan. United we stand in this painful moment with Bloch people
Bomb blast in hospital ? This is highly unethical and cowardly act. May soul of killed people rest in peace.Amin
How shallow and shameful can anyone get by attacking a hospital
Sad that human lives are treated like this.
Very sad.
violance in the name of religion, nationalism or any other issue is bad but unfortunately, this is the best tool employed by agencies who control their "assets". government seems to lack the capacity and capability to counter such attacks. army cant be employed in every street and cornor of the country as niether our economy nor our army can afford it. police has to be made strong, professional and vibrant like NYPD and Scottland Yard. latest technology, modren training and professionalism is the key to stop upto 99% of such incidents. finally address the root causes which are political in nature like Baloch Nationalism, division of resources and foriegn funding.
@ALWIN JAMES We have their serving Naval Officer as an intelligence officer in our custody who have confessed that Indian intelligence has made a special wing just to dismantle CPEC project by destabilizing Baluchistan. This is one example
so what now ? are we going to start a counter-terrorism operation once again ? we need to start a counter-terrorism operation in Afghanistan not Pakistan !
@khurram very well said "ASSETS". Nothing to add very well said
@Nomi Goraya
On the contrary, dear Nomi, I think you should blame Balochistan Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri for playing politics during a time of grief. Let me quote from the report (i.e., I am not making up):
"Condemning the attack, Balochistan Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri told local TV channel Geo News that Indian intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) was behind terror incidents in Quetta.
The CM shared this statement with the media before initial investigations into the blast were completed, and before the nature of the blast was confirmed."
@Sudhanshu Swami Sorry for the loss of of precious human life.
Very Sad. RIP to departed souls. We request Pakistan to work with India and Afghanistan Govt. to root out these terrorists.
I am searching for condolence from respectable PM of our neighbors and our great friend USA? Does Pakistani blood does not matter or this is less barbaric than recent attack in Kabul?
Hundreds of FC check posts but output zero..
RIP
Very sad news
I am shattered beyond belief....We can not take this anymore......what is going on. Pease help stop this butchery of people......Army and police where are you... saving people from being killed is more important than standing at borders. You Where are the information systems, intelligence network??? Responsible bodies SHOULD bring this anarchy to an end
May God bless all with peace.
Indian intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) was behind terror incidents in Quetta.
@CALCUTTA MAN He is doing same which our neighbors do when anything happens in their respective country but at lease masses and people should share the grief and not to rub salt on wounds
@Bharat Kumar Jaiswal Sir with all respect thanks for your sincere offer India is already doing good work with Afghanistan so better stay focused there we know how to solve this mess
@CALCUTTA MAN We have your serving Naval Officer as an intelligence officer in our custody who have confessed that Indian intelligence has made a special wing just to dismantle CPEC project by destabilizing Baluchistan. This is one example
This country has to learn from the mistakes of the past for the betterment of future of this area. Wake up Pakistanis.
Condolence!! My thoughts with those victims families.
@A. Basit Jam No doubt it is devastating but do not get shattered. Army, police, law enforcement agencies have rendered great sacrifices to bring this anarchy to end. they are doing good work but it always takes time to clean the big mess and that too with all hostile international environment.
You need to give modern education to your children.
very sad; god give strength to families and Pak should introspect now else such this continue to happen; there is no good and bad terrorist; please wake up and save life of ur citizen;
@Nomi Goraya, yes, you are right. No other country has condemned this yet. May be they are checking if this is done by good terrorists or bad terrorists.
It means the system has compleltley been collapsed.
@Waqar ANY evidence?
It is the right time for Pakistan to teach an unforgettable lesson to the coward enemy who is fomenting and causing such gruesome incidents of terrorism.
No matter what your cause is, in these days of democracy and social media, terrorism of any kind is deplorable. Hope the police find the culprits behind and make an example of them. Sympathies with the affected families...
OK now we blamed RAW, let us sit back and wait for next blast...most incompetent leadership
@Peace Do they need to check? As per their claims for them terrorist can not be good or bad so there must be prompt condemnation.
@Abbas Naqvi ..... I do agree with you....
Some Evil Minds Killing Intellectuals & Educationist
RIP!
Black day
No amount of security arrangemnts can prevent such types of barbaric act.Religious leaders & scholars will have to teach these killers that if they kill innocent people then they will rot in hell.These misguided people are under the believe that by sacrificing their lives & killing innocent people they will go to heaven.If wrong preaching of religion has brought this sad state of affair then only proper religious teaching will reverse this situation. It is really very sad day not only for Pakistan but the entire humanity !!!
Its high time to go for action against sleep cell operating outside Pakistan. Pakistan must have to conduct intelligence based operation inside enemies land.
@Nomi Goraya , yes any killing of innocents should be condemned. Any killing of law enforcement people should be condemned as well as they are doing their duties.
@AKG Sir I agree that wrong religious teachings make the suicide attacker heinous act of exploding himself in the crowd of innocent people look like heavenly and that can be rectified by proper teachings of religion but those who are funding them providing them with resources to execute such barbaric attacks have nothing to do with religion. So complete solution involves to stop the funding and destruction of terrorism infrastructure along with proper education and economic integration.
The most gruesome tragedy. It has already gone too far. If it is Indian design, as the CM Baluchistan says, it must be fully investigated and exposed to the world. We must find ways and means to apprehend perpetrators.
@S Raghavan simply condemnation no use, action is must
Sad day for Pakistan; sad day for all humanity, when 54 innocent persons are killed for no reason at all.
What a sad day when even hospitals are not safe. Old ways will not bring any respite from these terrorists, it's time for the country to change. Invest in education and forging friendly relations with its neighbours as well giving all the provinces in Pakistan equal status. R.I.P. to those who join countless others in getting murdered by these despicable and cowardly people. They have no cause.
RIP
A point to ponder bomber exploded in the crowd of lawyers which was there due to murder of Baluchistan Bar Association president so it means both the incident are linked as it was not announced gathering of lawyers
The fact that a hospital was bombed intentionally probably by members of our society proves that we are worst.
And NS and the Army had devised a solid security plan after the Peshawar School attack two years ago!
So much for making the country 'secure for all'.
Heartbreaking. RIP.
When will Pakistan wake up to improve internal security? All major Westren countries now activly monitor all human movements by CCTV movers on roads and important buildings, and improved intelligence.
Its very difficult to live in today's world. Hopeless.
Another unspeakable tragedy in Pakistan. When will the country be free of violence on this scale ?
This is a message from India that we too grieve with your people over the loss of innocent lives in the blast.
Please accept our heart felt condolences to the people of Pakistan. It felt very sad to see the pictures.
In this time of sorrow we pray to God, to give courage to the families who have lost their life.
May their sole rest in peace
From India, my sincere condolences to the families of the bereaved and to the entire nation of Pakistan. Also I will urge Pakistan to learn from this setback and implement strict security meassures.
This is a planned attack by the enemies of Pakistan and we know who they are and where they are coming from. It's time to take the gloves off and go after them wherever they are hiding. This is not some grievance against the govt. We are dealing with ruthless murderers and sum here. Show no mercy and eliminate them wherever they are.
This is so sad. What kind of an animal targets a hospital.
CM Balochistan says RAW behind terrorism in Quetta then what govt and army is doing why we cant stop RAW from doing this and why we don't blame India international for such acts and India never tires of boasting and blaming us on terrorism why we are so quite we don't have will or what's wrong with our priorities that we are not able to openly ask India to stop such acts.
Condemnation of such accidents z also a section of National Action Plan & it z the only section which has been acted upon so far. Where is the national Action Plan? Who is answerable to whom? No accountability and no acceptance of responsibility
Terrorist cannot be a friend to any one country or to any nation.
The entire world should fight against Terrorism
I feel sad that so many of my fellow Indians are taking potshots at Pakistan as they mourn their loss.
Shame on such people. Does the blood change color bases in if is Indian or Pakistani? Does a mother mourn less if she is an Indian or a Pakistani? Is a child more orphaned based on if she were an Indian or Pakistani?
Lessons will be inferred, but not today, not now.
May God bless those who died and provide succour to those left behind.
Wouldn't be surprised if it was indeed RAW but should wait till it's officially ascertained before blaming.
This civil govt is responsible, they r using delaying tactics against operation Zarb-e-Azb!
Blame RAW for public consumption and do nothing..... When will our leaders be held accountable.
what kind of people bomb a hospital?
Very tragic and sad incident! RIP…
General Raheel visited the Quetta. Where are our Political Leaders?
@Houlbelat "The most gruesome tragedy. It has already gone too far. If it is Indian design, as the CM Baluchistan says, it must be fully investigated and exposed to the world. We must find ways and means to apprehend perpetrators."
No sane country will use terrorism as a tool as it always backfires and likewise with India. So do not pass the bucks. Investigate it thoroughly and the truth will come out.
The recent disturbing relationship with Afghanistan would pose more threats to Pakistan. P Pakistan have to realize that without a peaceful Afghanistan, you cannot have peace in Pakistan-Never.
Loss of an innocence life is the greatest tragedy. The current tragedy may have political cosequeces too. Will Imran stop the Ehtesab movement against PM NS? He had called off his Dharna after the APS massacre in 2014.
Put every thing on RAW even before the investigations so they can cover up their failures.
Tragic. Who are these suicide bombers and what do they want to achieve?
@Gary We have indian serving Naval Officer as an intelligence officer in our custody who have confessed that Indian intelligence has made a special wing just to dismantle CPEC project by destabilizing Baluchistan. This is one example
Baluchistan needs equal treatment and equal share in all resources or history is going to repeat itself as witnessed in once upon a time East Pakistan.
I have seen the footage and the calmness on the people faces, which suggest people are becoming accustomed to these kind of activities. This calmness is the sign of the worst that could happen when they leave their houses for work. What a strange country we have become where children go to school under police protection, restaurants need security guards and hospitals have become a place for graveyards. Is there anyone who can rise his hand and say yes I am responsible for all this mess.
My heart is with bereaved families.
MY DEAR BROTHERS & SISTERS OF PAKISTAN.
BE UNITED TO FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM OR THEY WILL WIPE OUT OUR HOUSES.
WAKE UP AND BE UNITED TO FIGHT.
Very sad.
RIP to the departed souls.
The enemy has stretched this too far. We all know who is most worried at progress of Pakistan, especially Baluchistan. What a big, yet coward enemy we have.
What a great tragedy?
Peace to the families. Very sad.
@umar Not correct I dont think any spy has been arrested otherwise he would have been given counculur access.
@Nomi Goraya. A soul who has a heart will be shattered after seeing such incidences....... If we keep seeing this every day, it is only common sense to assume that a lot of improvements in order at different levels in the government.. I do not know why we are so complacent.!
Very sad. May the departed rest in peace and may god give strength to survivors. This seems to be handiwork of those trying to mute intelligencia of the province from questioning anything!! I wonder who gets benefited from that. They like to think of themselves as 'good', but someday will have to answer God.
The present incompetent Chief Minister should resign immediately.
It's an extremely shocking and terrifying incident. May the souls of the deceased rest in peace.
@Waqar : We all condemn this unfortunate incident. Kindly do not write such things to mislead our brothers and sisters in Pakistan.
@umar : The truth will come out..
what kind of idealogy can motivate a person to blow him self up in a hospital absolute sickness
Sad and RIP. People who are quick to blame India and use one spy caught Kulbhusan as example for every event - plz remember that spy was just spying on cpec and main reaaon was to collect information if chinese navy will use cpec for their military ships. There is suspicion in India that cpec may be diverted from economic to a chinese naval post by china.
This is barbaric, inhumane and uncivilized. We are first human beings with brains after that anything else. Who ever has done is not a human being, no human being can kill fellow people like this, for God's sake, stop this. Frankly speaking deeds like these has killed the happiness of whole of the world, its not bordered to particular country or region, whole of the world is stressed because of these kind barbaric killings.....May the souls of the deceased Rest in Peace and May God gives courage to the injured and nears n dears of the human beings killed to overcome this gruesome tragedy....
When your whole system is corrupt this will happen most of the security is only for top and there is nothing for masses. It looks like there is threat only to the top not to general public very sad news
Yet another sad momemt. We can only imagine what the families of victims will be going through. We need more actions to eradicate this curse out of our country.
Not until Talibans of all types including Haqqanis are rooted out and removed from the society, there will be no peace in Pakistan. Our hearts go to all the families of victims who were killed by these ruthless terrorists
No body treat the root cause of suicide bombers... All the present initiatives taken are inefficient and superficial... Inequality of wealth should be bring down to reasonable level by tax control mechanism other wise rich will become more rich and no money for underprivilaged & uneducated majority who easily get trapped into terror activities.
Cowards attack hospital
Government and intelligence agencies must investigate properly either he crossed the border or was within afghan refugees.more important investigate nadra thoroughly as they had been alleged of issuing CNIC to indian iranians and afghanis through bribing.track down sources of armed funding of BLA too within pakistan.time to make suffer those too who are funding outside the border...enough for this answer and question.retaliation respond game...wipe them out from the earth...
Where r the securities agencies, no care over killing of innocent people by this ill-minded terrorists
Yet another sad day for Pakistan :'(
very very sad, it is insult of humanity... Rather than blaming RAW/India Please have detailed investigation ... let truth come out.. 99.99% of peace loving common Indians would never support such incidence who so might have done it.. if it is proved raw was involved in this you pakistanis & world will see how we Indians take action without mercy
@AAN sorry bro it has nothing to do with security details. If they can attack Hospital, School, Park, Funerals, Worship places, Markets we can not take risk with high profile targets after all we are nuclear armed nation
Mr. CM how do you know that RAW is behind this. If you had information than why didn't you prevented it
@Sachin Sir this is not worthy explanation you can not sneak in someone house and then claim that you were there just to take rest and not to steal and kill. If we have suspicion on Indian involvement we have reasonable substance. If you enlightened my mind with the other dimension of CPEC then try to read a little about so called Bloch insurgency which has very clear links going to Delhi
really sad, RIP poor Balochis killed yet again in these terror attacks. Condolences and prayers for the families.
Condemnable. Peace to the departed.
@lafanga
Pakistan needs to go after all terrorists and not differentiate between good and bad terrorists.
An eye for an eye will make the whole nation blind.
Another national loss of lives.... And our dear and incompetent PM issues the same decades old statement “No one will be allowed to disturb the peace in the province...."
Really sad n painful news.... May God give courage to near n dear ones....
Few political statements and then life as usual.
Pakistan needs to address the root cause, without addressing the root cause violence will go on.
Terrorists are just terrorists. No good terrorists or bad terrorists.
Awful! Why we don't respect life? God help us!
Unless the corrupt politicians who harbour criminals and terrorists within their ranks are removed the killings will continue unabated.
@Waqar Very bad news, innocent lives are lost due to terrorism. Starting conspiracy theories and blame game without complete investigation only helps terrorists. Pakistan is successful to a great extent in containing terrorism. This policy should continue without differentiating between terror groups, all known good or bad terror groups must be eliminated.
What has our country come to?.
As with all previous atrocities - there will be outrage and then after a short time everything will be back to normal. The incident will be manipulated to suit whatever political agenda instead of really finding out who was behind it and why. Even if the masterminds were external - difficult question is how are they able to recruit local people to kill themselves and so many innocent people.
This cycle of violence carries on whilst the seeds to hate are sown into the next generation. Will anyone really take a long hard look in the mirror and acknowledge the personal role they play in this?
@Ravi Vancouver Sir thanks for appreciating our efforts but what most of Pakistani think in not theory they have substance to believe in like the Indian Navel Officer, Funding and Harboring till now of TTP, Bloch Insurgency and now the disturbing news of Indian contacts with IS in Afghanistan are emerging. I agree that we have issues at home but unfortunately our neighbors are excebberating our issues
Sad sad sad sad
@Khuram Nisar What have you been smoking? so many people have been killed and even larger number wounded. This is no time for sarcasm.
It seams as if human life becomes cheap very cheap. But at the end the humanity is dying.
very sad and shocked! by gods grace hope the casualty numbers are very less! Our thoughts and prayers with family members who have lost their loved once.
India, China and Pakistan should jointly work to eliminate these uncouth cowards they should be ashamed of targetting schools, hospitals and mosques! how on earth they can commit this dastardly act! they too have brothers and sisters right??
It is so unfortunate that innocents are killed like this and have become usual. People forget later and politicians play politics over it. Was it good or bad terrorists though? Hope politicians will be able to answer that correctly
@Voice of Reason Very well said and in most cases you are right and I will agree with you but we have to give credit where it is due after APS attack security situation in country has improved by and large. Now if someone falls to that low to attack a park full of women and children and then a hospital it is hard to stop. Very well pointed the real solution is via educating our next generation for co existence and human values. More than 95% of Pakistani are peace loving so this is right time to giver ruthless response to those few who are hell bent to destruction. But we have to show patience and courage as mess of years can not be cleaned in few days
Arrest those who are selling afghan sim cards 2 arrest those nadra officials who are issuing cnic to indians iranians and afghanis via bribing.
Deep condolences to Pakistan citizens.
This must be condemned. The souls of the innocent dead may rest in peace.
Pakistani Taliban faction claims hospital bomb that killed 70
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Pakistani-Taliban-faction-claims-hospital-bomb-that-killed-70/articleshow/53602188.cms
are they working for RAW?
Shame that the administration needs to react only after such incident. If responsible people can shift the blame to external agencies then wouldn't that qualify as an act of war? So pretty much we are paying for the security establishment through taxes and loans with uncertain outcomes... What a waste of life and resources.
How did the CM know that RAW is behind before investigation?
Rip
Such a inhumane action ! Pakistan should find the real culprits instead of ready route of blaming India and give justice to innocents lives lost. There is no place for such kind of extremism. Also Muslim clerics should strongly condemn these incidents.
@Speaking Tree yeh.
If RAW is behind this then prove it, no point singing same old song.
@Speaking Tree You do not know for whom TTP is working and from where it is getting funding and who is protecting them even in Afghanistan. Indian currency from NWA was sufficient proof if you had followed that news as well
Like it or not this government is not capable of handling these issues and we need military intervention. Imran khan also need to review his policy of funding madersas.
@Samrat Sir do you think India has better voice to sing the same classical old song on all issues involving Pakistan. We will prove it with our actions.
Can somebody please explain why were these lawyers targetted ?. Very sad indeed.
Punjab CM says country is developing - very true - corruption, civil unrest, killing, flight of capital, jungle law with zero care and much more
@Kashmiri Indian Anyone could be target as the purpose is always senseless killing but targeting lawyers specifically has another dimension as well apart from terror that is attack on one of very fundamental pillar of state and robbing a society from educated people has far more crippling.
My heartfelt condolences to my Pakistani brothers and sisters.
Open "WAR" against terrorist OVERDUE !
Is life that cheap? Just to be blown away at the whims of militants and religiously motivated killers?
@Tariq Rashid , Appreciate your emotion and sentiment. Answer is simple ..India do not practice policy of terrorism
A coward act by any means. Sharing pain with all bereaved families. Only non human's can do this. Please for God's sake , review prevailing education system in your schools. You may save future generations. Please remember that No terrorist is a good terrorist.
@AAN
The general public does not figure in the priorities of those in power.
My sympathies for the innocent killed.
I cannot and should not dare to contradict as to what honorable CM Baluchistan has said but nevertheless it does prove that we are very openly and blatantly admitting that, whether we like it or not, Indian RAW is stronger to hit at its free will and our army, para-military, police and intelligence agencies simply could not do take any measure to thwart the same. However, I must give due credit to CM that at least he could identify the attacker where rest have failed in identifying the attacker. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi
To take attention away from real issues. As soon as people starts their struggle against corruption and model town massacre something like this happens in the country.
so sad and ironic...
This is tragic. Peace to those souls. Terrorism is nobody's friend.
@Samrat you continue to sing old song...we presented one answer """Kulbhusan yadav""..take a look at youtube..but your side.. denial mode and blame game ON
@Iqbal Hadi Zaidi Sir, the CM has no evidence and it is shameful for him to blame RAW. The credit for this atorcity has already been claimed by a local terrorist group. Please capture and punish the true perpetrators and do not let them get away.
RIP brothers...
Very very sad. Its obvious that politicians and police system has failed in protecting pakistani citizens. Time to remove police protection from politicians and VIPs, let them hire their own security guards for themselves and their families.
Deepest condolences to the dead.
@Sab Se Pehle Pakistan You know what you are saying? For heaven sake two issues have no link with this massacre. Please try not to get own interest on such tragedies
Open "WAR" against terrorist OVERDUE !
StillI USA and India blame Pakistan for supporting terrorism . Very sad
Gen Raheel Sharif what happened to Kulbushin Yadev??? the mastermind of anti CPEC campaign. PM sahib what is your view on RAW agents in Pakistan.
Right now unity is the need of time, unconditional unity and the implementation of National Action Plan by book, the enemy has killed 70 most patriotic and educated people of Baluchistan the enemy has attacked the backbone of our country...
Crying :'( I love my Pakistan. And I can't tolerate to see all this.
It breaks my heart to see fellow human beings killed so mercilessly in my neighbouring country Pakistan.
Are human lives so cheap? My heart bleeds every time innocent people die.
May the whole of Pakistan stand united with the families of the deceased.
How many more lives have to be lost? How many more sons and daughters of the soil do we have to sacrifice? Wake up leaders of Pakistan and do something! When history is written let it not be said that you were complacent in rendering your duty.
May God punish these extremists in the worst way possible. Ameen
It is heart breaking situation in my mother land. May God help to bring peace.
@Nomi Goraya
My heart cries for my country and people. How long we have to live with these incompetent and corrupt leaders. How long our Great Army will keep on sacrificing their lives. These incidents are happening because our leaders are busy hiding their corruption and crimes. There focus is not on the people and country.
Who is responsible for this killing of innocent people of Pakistan? Intelligence agencies, civilian governments or good talibans? Anyone answer this question, please!
I was in tears when I saw the news on Dawn TV. God please have mercy on my country and its citizens.
i think its enough why are these innocent people being killed its so sad ... when will we have peace in our country
It time for political unity. Forget the differences all leaders of all party must walk on the same podium to show strength against these cowards. But unfortunately there is not much hope in that. All are for their own benefit and power struggle. Go to Quetta and shout on top of your lungs that you are here and you will eradicate this cancer of violence.
President Mamnoon should have flown to Quetta to meet the families of those who are killed and also meet those who are hospitalized. I know it is PM Nawaz who is in front at all fronts be it within Pakistan or overseas which is quite understandable because we stick to parliamentary system but it does not bar President to offer condolences in person either. His presence as Head of the State had brought some sort of comfort to those who are in tears. Am I wrong, which I am not? Iqbal Hadi Zaidi
RIP the departed souls....
It is sad and I pray for all who have died or are injured.
Very sad to see innocents suffer.When will we as human being realise. I hope authorities concerned wake up to realities and do not spare the master minds and protoganaists from both sides.
My prayers are with you.
In pain and in tears.
I do not believe seventy four men can be killed by a single point shrapnel/explosive bomb. There must be more than one point to cover this big number of casualities. It must be probed.
First of all from India , our condolences for the dead and sympathy for the injured citizens . If any one is even suggesting that the enforcement agencies like police , Rangers or Army should be handling this , they are wrong . No power on this earth can control the minds of individuals . And that is why they are called sleepers . So instead of a top down solution a bottoms up approach will be more effective . People will have to create a society which is at peace with itself . The children whether in school or out of the school should be kept busy and their energies should be channelized in a positive way . Remember , every terrorist or sleeper can not be monitored by police or army .
Rip
You can NOT be Human if you do this....kill people you don't know, people who have done you NO Wrong.
barbarians killing people at hospitals, schools, public parks. barbarians.
Well planned attack: Even if the culprits are caught, they will walk free...as there will be no one available to fight these cases.
Very sad news. May almighty give strength to the bereaved family.
Sometimes i wish we were not humans but birds... Or crows or even street dogs. They may have some amount of mercy. I fail to understand how and why are we the best of creatures... My heart cries for the children and wives of the decreased. May this never happen to any body....
@Iqbal Hadi Zaidi while my heart bleeds for the innocent dead in this ghoulish massacre, I hold all our rulers responsible for such a deadly tragedy because all the rulers have done so far is to fill their own pockets with gold and silver. Balochistan's population has increase 8 times, and although the whole country is suffering at the hands of selfish rulers, the population of Balochistan has been constantly brainwashed by their tribal sardars and thus seem to falsely believe that they are the only ones suffering while the other provinces are enjoying a comfortable life. The truth is that Balochistan, having an arid and difficult landscape, is getting a better share of national development but they are riddled with restlessness created by misguidance incited by the sardars who want to snatch back their powerful and luxurious authority enjoyed by them during pre-partition days. I think those outlawed sardars have a great deal to do with such heinous acts of terrorism.
RI.P the departed souls. Make Pakistan a true secular country. Then Pakistan will become a peaceful country within few years.
RIP. Quetta Civil Hospital attack says it all,"The security dimensions of foreign policy should be integrated through established institutional mechanisms, particularly the high-level National Security Command." But who will take this important step?
The government is out of step with all other institutions in its provinces. India is an enemy country & will not let-up it's offensive attack&interference in Pakistan's internal affairs. CPEC is a thorny issue for India & its allies against China & Pakistan.
China is trying to build an economic corridor through Pakistan that is unacceptable to India, thus it will continue its all-out war on diplomatic & insurgency front in Pakistan & it's provinces.
Where & when will Pakistan be physically attacked by India is awaiting a green signal from its allies&is just a matter of time to subvert the CPEC project. Pakistan must stay on highest alert for a surprise attack from Indian forces through Land, Air & Sea. India is Pakistan's archenemy.
Sad indeed. May the progressive elements of Pakistani society succeed in winning and defeating all anti national scoundrels perpetually. It is indeed a sad time for the families of the deceased .
I'm guessing it was planned, first they shoot a senior because they knew it will get the lawyers and media to show up in hundreds. I think the politicians should wait till the investigation is complete before pointing fingers, its bad enough the talks have stalled on peace with India, this only gives them more ammo to use against Pakistan. Some times the best weapon is silence until investigation is over.
And by the way, people who think the security forces will always know about the threats is premature, do you think the bad guys beat the drums before striking?
So many dead again - heart aches continuously
It is a crime against humanity and shall be condemned and government supported in all its endeavours to nip this scourge.
Condolences to grieved families.
Very sad. I can not control my tears.
Very Sad, R.I.P for those who lost there life in this tragic incident God blessing should be on them.
PML-N government in Baluchistan....and the Prime Minister has taken note....so all should be well.
@peer muhammad , wow you are really luck, nice to hear about it
in the moment of this sadness esp the one which is brought out by the worst human deeds, may all find strength in peace and love
@RK
It does not merely depend upon the people. The government has to set its priorities right, which sadly it is not doing.
Whenever I have clicked since morning, each time I have found that casualties are increasing. The 1st report was that 5 are killed and since then it is continually increasing not because new attacks are being carried out but because some of the injured are fighting for their lives where anyone who fails dies. I presume many must still be in critical conditions. The more I think or more I pen more gloomy I turn and will repeat what many have been saying for years not just months or weeks or days that we have totally failed in protecting the lives of our citizens but very much ironically none from our power corridor wants to admit and instead they say that they have controlled terrorism and people are praising the government. It reminds me, if not annoying, that when our forces were entrapped in East Pakistan Gen Niazi and others did not tell us the truth but instead boasted of that they have solidified their position and enemy is being defeated. Don't u agree with me? Iqbal Hadi Zaidi
@Syed Chishti You nailed it even before an investigation. If only the police can follow thru with a good investigation and make public all links.
Whom to believe? CM says Indian RAW did it and TTP claims that its men did it. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi
India is ready to provide treatment to Baloch brothers.
Do something and save this country
We must respond and with full force. Let's make it our business and show the enemy. Enough is enough, please
Very sad day for Pakistan....
Do you want to prevent terrorist action or prevent terrorist mindset ? To bring a change in the mindset, a lot of fundamental idealogies rooted since last 30-40 years needs to change. Violence in any form cannot be accepted period. If you say that violence against innocent is not accepted, but against enemies is ok,. Then the terrorists in their mind see the civilians as enemies and hence feel very right and justified in such attacks.
Whatever i am writing is from the core of my heart. Like me , there are millions of Indians who has no bad feeling and hatred for Pakistan. We never ever wished any bad thing for our neighbours. Before being Indian, we are human beings and we strongly condemn this act. Our hearts are with Pak and we pray that no such incident happens in future. I can't cut my self and show my heart. I can only write and express my feelings. May god bring peace, happiness and smiles on evryones face including my pak brothers and sister. - a normal but true Indian.
when will this carnage end? who will stop these blood thirsty savages? My condolenses to all the victims and their families.
Poor Pakistan they are tearing your heart out When will this awful killing stop
Obviously, this is a heinous act of genocide, targeting Pakhtuns, which deserves to be condemned in the strongest possible terms.
What do these rebels want? Hurts to see this devastation.
@Mahbub : Terrorists have better "intelligence" tactically. They strike when least expected and they DON'T think like ordinary people --who depend on the HOPE that things will be generally safe and peaceful. Terrorists use that hope to plug in havoc!
Heart breaks whenever I hear of these incidents. In India or Pak or Afghanistan or France. Have we woven a complex web of self destruction? Does our ego, religion, self-respect, land, etc. really hold more importance over human lives? What satisfaction do these monsters gain by inflicting suffering on others?
@IB : These terrorist attacks have become so common that they are 'thinkable' on a daily basis! Don't ask what kind of people do massacre 70, 142, 50, 0r 7, --any number! They are highly incited people infused with blind ideology.
@Syed Chishti Thank you for the information, you are a lifesaver...
@Aisha When you really want it and work for it.
Rest in piece.
Clean your house first
Cycle of hate and violence never ends as one cycle propels and provides justification for further carnage.
Condolences to you for the loss of your cameraman.
@deepak I agree
I don't blame anyone, but ourselves. Also I know no one lives in peace when you neighbors are in pain. Shanti to all.
So sad.... Surgery needed now to root out the crazies. Don'r complain. Don't blame. Don't pity yourself. Don't be scared. Don;t believe in conspiracies. It all begins and ends with schooling and education. Shut down schools that do not teach secular modern science oriented curriculum. This is not going to be easy, because a large part of Pakistan has become sympathetic to teachings rooted in the medieval past. Copy schooling systems from the Chinese, if they are the only true friend left. Or lean towards the more liberal west, as India is doing.
Pls accept that there is no Good Terrorism & Bad Terrorism...All kind of terrorisms are bad whether it is in Balochistan or in Kashmir!!!!
@IMTIAZ ALI KHAN :"Also I know no one lives in peace when you neighbors are in pain. Shanti to all."
You probably made the wisest statement.
My heartfelt condolences with the families of deceased...may sane souls bring the perpetrators to justice...
My heart cries for the families who lost their dear ones, when will this end? When will there be peace in the world?
Very sad
@Kabir Great analysis hope Authorities listing
Any reason why they targeted lawyers?
@umar my friend high level torture will make you confess the same too...if they are sure what they are claiming is true why not give counsellor access..
Very sad. May God give divine power to bear the very unfortunate incident, to family of people who lost life in the cowardice attack by terrorists. Very sad that Dawn news lost its courageous camera-man. We Indians share this tough pain of family of all people who got killed, and Dawn news.
@Waqar If it is so, then what the hell our Intelligent Agencies are doing. This is the result of Intelligence failure.
@Sher mohamed - The CM should resign first.
A coward attack on intellectual capital!
I agree with TJ. Pakistan needs to walk away from religious centric point of view that you have for everything. You must force madrasas to teach modern education curriculum to kids, if not shut them down. Every sensible person in Pakistan knows you need less religion, nor more. What Zia accelerated, reached sickening proportions now. It's time to change my brothers!
deeply saddened. no value to human lives. day in and day out incidents.
Our heartfelt condolences. May the perpetrators be harshly punished and the injured be speedily recover.
Rest in Peace gor all the departef souls. Let us all give peace a chance in our region. Violence only beget violence.
This is utter disgrace. Because of political issues killing innocent people. Take your differences and fight at court level. Which ever group is involved in this - all should be shot. This way we eliminate evil from this earth. Rip to the people who died.
@LETTRUTHPREVAIL
Sir, such acts will happen even you have best intelligent. Look at what is happening in the western world these days.
Surprised.. 70 people died & no country have condemned it. In Europe two people will die & whole world starts crying.
My Salute to General Raheel for shifting victims to Karachi Hospital for better treatment.
@Kabir I completely agree with you
Very sad and we condenm the attack.
CM exposed himself with such comments. He should come clean on whether there were any intelligence inputs and he failed to act on it? or is he just trying to play with emotions of people in distress.
No respect for human life