A devastating explosion near Zero Point in Khuzdar on Wednesday targeted a school bus, resulting in the martyrdom of five individuals — including three children — and injuring at least 35 others, authorities confirmed.
According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the attack was orchestrated by Indian-backed proxies operating in Balochistan. The military’s media wing condemned the incident as a “cowardly and gruesome act” aimed at spreading terror among civilians, particularly targeting vulnerable schoolchildren.
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“This heinous act reflects India’s continued use of terrorism as a state policy. Having failed militarily during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, Indian proxies are now targeting soft civilian targets to create unrest in Pakistan,” the ISPR said.
The military vowed to bring all individuals involved in planning, aiding, or executing the attack to justice, asserting that such actions would not go unanswered. “The Pakistani Armed Forces, supported by a courageous nation, remain committed to eradicating Indian-sponsored terrorism in all its forms.”
Following the explosion, local authorities cordoned off the area and launched a full-scale investigation. The injured victims have been transported to CMH Khuzdar for urgent medical treatment.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a strong condemnation of what he described as a “barbaric and deliberate targeting of innocent lives.” Expressing deep sorrow over the loss, he extended condolences to the grieving families and directed law enforcement agencies to swiftly apprehend those responsible. He also ordered immediate medical assistance for the injured.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi echoed the condemnation, labeling the perpetrators as “merciless beasts” and calling the attack on schoolchildren a “shameful and desperate act of brutality.” He stressed that such actions would not break the nation’s resolve and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to justice.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the martyred children,” Naqvi said. “The enemy’s cowardice will not go unanswered — we stand united and strong.”