A devastating explosion rocked the Nall Bazaar area of Khuzdar district earlier this month, claiming the lives of at least eight people, including reportedly two female students, according to emerging but still unconfirmed local reports. The incident, which occurred on March 5, 2025, has plunged the community into mourning and raised fresh concerns about public safety in one of Balochistan’s most volatile regions.
According to police and rescue sources, the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) planted on a motorcycle parked in a busy part of the market. The device was detonated remotely, causing widespread destruction and panic.
Initially, four fatalities were confirmed, with several others severely injured. However, the death toll has since risen to eight, as critically wounded victims succumbed to their injuries during treatment at Khuzdar Teaching Hospital and other regional medical centers.
The Victims
While the official list of victims has yet to be released by the authorities, local media reports and eyewitness testimonies suggest that two of the deceased were female students who were in the area either for school-related activities or shopping. Their tragic deaths have sparked widespread grief across Balochistan, especially among educational institutions and youth advocacy groups.
Families of the deceased have called for justice, urging the government to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. “We sent our daughters to get an education, not to be buried,” said one grieving parent outside the hospital morgue.
The Scene and Rescue Efforts
The blast site presented a harrowing scene: charred vehicles, shattered shopfronts, and bloodied personal belongings scattered across the street. Eyewitnesses described the moment of the explosion as “a thunderous boom followed by smoke, fire, and screams.” Several nearby shops caught fire, and emergency services struggled to contain the blaze in the immediate aftermath.
Rescue workers and volunteers from Edhi Foundation and other NGOs were quick to respond, transporting the injured to hospitals and helping clear debris. Medical professionals worked tirelessly throughout the night to stabilize those critically wounded.
Investigation Underway
Law enforcement officials have launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Initial forensic reports indicate that the IED was manufactured using locally available materials and was designed for maximum destruction.
Security camera footage from nearby shops is being reviewed, and intelligence agencies have joined hands with local police to trace potential leads. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, although authorities have not ruled out the involvement of insurgent groups active in Balochistan.
Balochistan’s Chief Minister strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly act targeting innocent civilians, including young students.” He further vowed to enhance security measures and intelligence coordination to prevent such tragedies in the future.
National Reaction and Condemnation
The incident has prompted widespread condemnation from across Pakistan. Political leaders, civil rights activists, and student unions have all voiced their grief and outrage over the loss of life.
Prime Minister of Pakistan expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and assured full support to the provincial authorities. “Such acts of terror are designed to shake our resolve, but we will not let these cowards succeed,” he stated during a press conference in Islamabad.
Social media has also been flooded with messages of sympathy and solidarity, with hashtags like #KhuzdarTragedy and #JusticeForStudents trending nationally.
A Pattern of Violence
Unfortunately, this tragic event is part of a recurring pattern of violence in Balochistan, a province that has long struggled with insurgency, sectarian strife, and socio-economic deprivation. Despite ongoing military operations and development initiatives, security remains fragile.
Experts argue that more comprehensive efforts are needed to address the root causes of unrest in the region. This includes not only military and intelligence action but also sustained investment in education, infrastructure, and economic opportunities.
The Way Forward
As the people of Khuzdar mourn their losses, many are also calling for renewed efforts toward peace and reconciliation in Balochistan. Civil society organizations have demanded increased protection for educational institutions and public spaces, particularly for women and students who often become unintended casualties in such attacks.
Local clerics and community leaders are planning to hold a candlelight vigil in memory of the victims later this week. The event aims to send a unified message of peace and resilience in the face of terror.
In the words of a local teacher who lost one of her students in the blast, “Terrorists can take our lives, but they will never extinguish our hope."
Reference: سانحہ خضدار ، 2 مزید طالبات جاں بحق، شہدا کی تعداد 8 ہوگئی
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