ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned the blast at the Balochistan National Party (BNP) rally in Quetta.

In a statement, the Prime Minister extended prayers for the swift recovery of the injured and directed authorities to provide them with the best possible medical treatment. He also instructed security agencies to identify those responsible at the earliest and ensure they face exemplary punishment.

Terming the attack a “heinous conspiracy by terrorists to spread chaos in Balochistan,” the Prime Minister said that terrorists are enemies of peace and development in the province.

He reaffirmed that the fight against terrorism will continue until the menace is completely eradicated, adding that cowardly attacks on innocent citizens are condemnable and will not deter the nation’s resolve.

On the other hand, death toll from the suspected suicide bombing on Sariab Road climbed to 13 on Tuesday night, with several others injured, hospital authorities confirmed.

The evening explosion tore through the bustling area near Shahwani Stadium, leaving multiple victims in critical condition.

According to a spokesperson for the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), preliminary reports suggest the incident was a suicide attack. CTD teams are currently gathering evidence from the site.

Pakistan has seen a sharp rise in militant violence since 2021, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan among the hardest-hit regions.