Three people were killed and 21 others including policemen were injured when a patrol vehicle was caught in a powerful explosion in Quetta on Thursday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The blast struck the patrol car on provincial capital’s Double Road. Police and rescue teams rushed to the spot and shifted the dead bodies and injured to a nearby hospital. A doctor at the Civil Hospital's Trauma Centre confirmed the casualties, stating that the injure were being treated on emergency basis. The condition of the five injured is critical.
Balochistan Health Department spokesman Dr. Waseem Baig said the injured were identified as Ahmed Khan( 14 years), M Gill (50 years), Jameel (19 years), Muhammad Hussain (45 years), Shafiq Ahmed (50 years), Abdul Razaq (36 years), Hayatullah, Atta Allah, Habibullah, Bilal, Kamran, Khalil Ahmed, Noor Ahmed, Faraz, Yasin and others.
Police said 2.5 kg explosive was used in the explosion and remote-controlled bomb was fixed in a bike. Madadgar Mobile van was target of the blast.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have strongly condemned terror attack on police van in Quetta.
In their separate statements, both the leaders expressed deep grief and sorrow over the incident. The President said terrorists are enemies of country's progress and the prosperity of Balochistan and do not want to see the development of the province.
The Prime Minister, in a statement, directed that an investigation be conducted into the incident, identifying perpetrators and ensuring that they are given an exemplary punishment. Shehbaz Sharif said miscreants are enemy of peace and development of Balochistan. He said cowardly actions of these elements against innocent people are a clear reflection of their barbarity. The Prime Minister commended the officers and personnel of security forces and law enforcement agencies for their actions against the anti-Pakistan elements.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has condemned attack on police van and expressed condoles with the victim families. He prayed for the early recovery of the injured.
Interior Minister said non-state elements who were aimed at creating law and order situation in the country will be crushed. He said anti Pakistan targeting Balochistan. He said government will foil such conspiracies.
Reporter Essa Tareen