Tragic Suicide Bombing Targets School Bus in Balochistan, Pakistan










2025-05-21T21:25:00Z

ISLAMABAD: In a heart-wrenching incident that has shaken the nation, at least six individuals, including four innocent children, lost their lives, while dozens more sustained injuries when a suicide car bomb detonated near a school bus in the Khuzdar district of Pakistan's volatile southwestern Balochistan province on Wednesday morning. The explosion took place around 7:40 am local time, as the bus was en route to an Army Public School, carrying nearly 40 young students excited for a day of learning.
The tragedy unfolded when an explosives-laden vehicle collided with the school bus, resulting in a catastrophic explosion that left a scene of utter devastation in its wake. Among the victims were four children, the bus driver's assistant, and one additional individual. The attack not only claimed precious lives but also resulted in injuries to 38 others, with some of the wounded reported to be in critical condition.
Emergency services responded promptly, rushing the injured to Khuzdar's Combined Military Hospital. However, given the severity of some cases, several victims were swiftly transferred to larger medical facilities in Quetta and Karachi for advanced treatment. The swift action of the medical teams reflects the urgency and severity of the situation that unfolded in the wake of this horrific attack.
In the aftermath of the bombing, the Pakistani military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), was quick to attribute the attack to what they described as “Indian proxies.” They claimed that the bombing was a desperate attempt to “spread terror and unrest,” particularly in light of Pakistan's recent military successes in various operation zones. This accusation comes just days after a fragile ceasefire was established between India and Pakistan following a series of military clashes earlier this month. The geopolitical tensions continue to loom large over the region.
Responding to the tragedy, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack as “sheer barbarism.” He expressed outrage at the perpetrators, whom he referred to as “beasts targeting innocent children,” and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice. This sentiment echoes the widespread sorrow and anger felt across the nation in the wake of such a brutal act against the most vulnerable members of society.
While no group has yet claimed responsibility for the heinous attack, suspicions have turned towards the separatist group known as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). This group has a history of violent actions in the region, which adds another layer of complexity to the already fragile security situation in Balochistan.
As the nation mourns the lives lost, many are left questioning the state of security in Pakistan, particularly in areas that have been historically marred by violence and unrest. The impact of this tragedy extends far beyond the immediate loss of life, reverberating through communities and igniting discussions about safety, governance, and the ongoing conflict in the region.
Hana Takahashi
Source of the news: Times of India