QUETTA – A powerful explosion rocked Gulistan Bazaar in the Killa Abdullah district of Balochistan on Sunday, claiming the lives of at least four individuals and injuring over 20 others, according to local officials.
The blast occurred near Jabbar Market, causing significant structural damage and igniting fires across several shops. The force of the explosion led to the collapse of multiple buildings, sparking chaos and panic in the busy marketplace.
District administration confirmed that those wounded were first taken to nearby medical facilities, with critically injured patients later transferred to Quetta for specialized care. Deputy Commissioner Riaz Khan stated that the market sits adjacent to the rear boundary of the Frontier Corps (FC) Fort, and following the blast, a brief exchange of gunfire erupted between unidentified attackers and FC personnel.
Among the injured was the security guard of tribal elder Haji Faizullah Khan Ghabizai. Haji Faizullah himself was in his office within the market complex at the time but escaped unharmed.
In the aftermath, security forces cordoned off the area and launched a full-scale search and clearance operation. Authorities are continuing to evaluate the extent of the damage while ensuring that all injured individuals receive prompt medical attention.
This latest attack comes on the heels of another violent incident in Balochistan, where four Levies personnel were martyred on Friday during a gun assault at the Samand check post in the Nal area of Khuzdar district. Unidentified gunmen opened indiscriminate fire before fleeing the scene.
Officials have strongly condemned both attacks and reaffirmed their commitment to bringing those responsible to justice, while emphasizing ongoing efforts to uphold security and stability in the region.
