Quetta blast injures 20, damages train, vehicles near Chaman Phatak

At least 20 people were injured after an explosion took place near the railway track close to Chaman Phatak in Quetta on Sunday, rescue officials said. According to police, the blast also caused partial damage to a train in the area, while around 10 parked vehicles were affected. The force of the explosion further shattered windowpanes and glass panels of nearby buildings, spreading panic in the vicinity. In response to the incident, authorities declared an emergency in government hospitals across Quetta, directing doctors and medical staff to remain on high alert to deal with the influx of casualties. Railway officials confirmed that the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express was halted at Quetta Railway Station as a precautionary measure following the blast. Meanwhile, Babar Yousafzai, spokesperson to the interior minister, stated that all relevant departments had been placed on high alert after the explosion. He also appealed to citizens to avoid gathering near the site, so rescue teams could carry out relief and investigation work without disruption. Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi: Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi has strongly denounced the explosion in Quetta, calling it a cowardly act of terrorism that would not shake the nation’s resolve. He said that hostile networks allegedly operating from India and Afghanistan would never be allowed to achieve their objectives. According to the minister, a shuttle train departing from Quetta Cantonment was targeted in an explosion near Chaman Phatak, causing the engine and three coaches to derail. He added that security personnel quickly sealed off the area and began a rescue and relief operation. Rescue vehicles and a relief train were promptly sent to assist ongoing efforts at the site. Abbasi described terrorists as enemies of both humanity and the state, vowing that they would be dealt with decisively. He further assured that Pakistan Railways operations would continue without disruption and instructed offic