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A tragic suicide bombing rocked Pakistan’s Balochistan province on Tuesday morning, claiming the lives of four schoolchildren and injuring at least 38 others. The devastating incident occurred in the Khuzdar district, where a vehicle laden with explosives rammed into a school bus carrying students to class.
According to Yasir Iqbal Dashti, a senior official in the region, the children belonged to the Army Public School (APS). Emergency teams rushed to the scene, and the injured were transported to nearby hospitals. The blast caused widespread panic among locals and has once again brought attention to the fragile security situation in Balochistan.
While no group has officially claimed responsibility for the attack, suspicion has fallen on Baloch separatist factions, which have been active in the region for years. These groups, particularly the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), have carried out similar assaults in the past, often targeting state infrastructure and personnel.
The incident follows another explosion just two days earlier in Balochistan’s Killa Abdullah district, where a bomb detonated near Jabbar Market. That blast killed four civilians and injured around 20 others, also causing fires and significant damage to nearby shops.
Balochistan: A Region in Crisis
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area and rich in natural resources, has long been plagued by political tensions, economic marginalisation, and allegations of human rights violations. For decades, separatist movements have pushed for autonomy or full independence, citing grievances such as lack of development, military oppression, and exclusion from national decision-making.
The Pakistani government has frequently been accused of a heavy-handed approach in dealing with dissent in the region. Military operations and enforced disappearances have been reported, further fueling anti-state sentiments.
The ‘Republic of Balochistan’ Makes Headlines
Adding fuel to the fire, the hashtag “Republic of Balochistan” recently began trending across social media platforms. This followed a symbolic declaration of independence by exiled activist and author Mir Yar Baloch. In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), he urged the international community to recognize Balochistan as an independent nation, requested the United Nations to send peacekeepers, and appealed to India to host a Baloch embassy in New Delhi.
These developments come at a time of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, creating further geopolitical complexity.
Condemnation and Calls for Peace
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the school bus attack in the strongest terms, expressing sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and promising action against those responsible.
The people of Balochistan continue to bear the brunt of violence, caught in a deadly struggle between separatist ambitions and state security operations. As the cycle of bloodshed continues, many are calling for meaningful dialogue and inclusive policies to bring lasting peace to this troubled province.
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