A deadly bomb blast disrupted a PTI rally in Balochistan’s Sibi town. Police and witnesses reported four fatalities and five injuries. The explosion occurred at an election gathering of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. PTI candidate Saddam Tareen, targeted in the rally on Jinnah Road, fortunately remained unharmed. Emergency teams rushed the injured to Sibi DHQ hospital.
Aftermath and Response
Dr. Babar, DHQ hospital’s medical superintendent, confirmed four deaths. “Four bodies were received from the blast site,” he said, adding that five injured individuals were under treatment. The deceased included Hamad Khan, Abd al-Waas, and Muhammad Rafiq. One victim’s identity remains unknown. Sohrab Khan, Ronq Kumar, Nader Hussain, Mir Muhammad, and Abdul Haseeb are injured.
An initial police report suggests an IED on a motorcycle caused the explosion. It detonated as the rally passed, resulting in casualties and chaos. Subsequently, Sibi’s Jinnah Road shops closed, and law enforcement secured the area. Abdullah Khan, provincial health secretary, announced a state of emergency in local hospitals, including Quetta.
Balochistan’s Chief Minister, Ali Mardan Domki, ordered immediate action to find the attackers. The Election Commission of Pakistan requested a detailed report on the incident. PTI Balochistan condemned the attack and confirmed Saddam Tareen’s safety.
