At least one person, identified as Siraj, was killed, and seven others were injured in a bomb explosion near Railway Hall in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, as people gathered to celebrate Pakistan’s “Independence Day” on August 14.
Shortly afterward, two additional explosions were reported near the Secretariat in Quetta. Several more people were injured, although the exact number has not been confirmed. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals, with some reported to be in critical condition.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks so far. However, Baloch armed groups had earlier warned that they would target Pakistan’s “Independence Day” celebrations, which they view as symbols of Pakistani “occupation” of Balochistan. These groups urged the general population to avoid participating in the festivities.