Quetta, the capital city of Balochistan, witnessed an attack on a celebration of Pakistan’s Independence Day. Unidentified armed men targeted the event with hand grenades, which was held at Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University on Brewery Road.
Local residents reported hearing at least two explosions. Authorities have yet to provide details on the extent of the damage or any casualties resulting from the attack.
This year, preparations in Balochistan for Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations have been notably subdued compared to previous years. In Quetta, events under the supervision of the Pakistani military are going to be held at several universities. However, these events are also under threat due to security concerns.
Baloch “pro-independence” armed groups have been attacking such events celebrating Pakistan’s national day in Balochistan for the las two decades. These groups argue that the Pakistani military uses these events to mislead the international community about the situation in Balochistan.
In a statement issued to the media, Jeeyand Baloch, a spokesperson for the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), claimed responsibility for the attack. He stated that their fighters targeted the event, described as a “so-called” Independence Day celebration organized under the patronage of the “occupying” Pakistani forces. The attack took place around 10 AM with two hand grenades.
The spokesperson further alleged that “the Pakistani military uses educational institutions to further their colonial objectives”. He warned that any events held under the supervision of the Pakistani military would remain targets for the BLA. He accused the Pakistani military of spending millions to organize these events in an attempt to obscure the war-torn reality of Balochistan from the world.
The BLA reaffirmed its commitment to continue its attacks on the Pakistani military and its partners, stating that such actions are part of their ongoing struggle for independence against what they perceive as an occupying forces.