Pakistan Railways have temporarily suspended all train operations to and from the Quetta station in the aftermath of the deadly blast at Quetta station that claimed 26 lives and injured 62 on Saturday (Nov 9). The suspension will be in effect for five days and aims to ensure passenger safety amid heightened concerns.

<h2>The suspension</h2>

According to ARY News citing a railway spokesperson, the Quetta station will remain closed from November 11 to 14.

Its closure is expected to impact several key routes — the Bolan Mail will resume its services after the closure, departing from Karachi to Quetta on November 16, and its return to Karachi is scheduled for November 18. Additionally, the Jaffar Express will depart from Peshawar to Quetta on November 14 and make the return journey on November 15.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-20-people-killed-over-40-others-injured-in-blast-at-railway-station-in-pakistans-quetta-774758">Blast at Quetta Railway Station in Pakistan: Death toll at 26, BLA claims responsibility for attack</a>

The explosion, which occurred just as the Jaffar Express was set to depart, shook the station during a busy time with many passengers on the platform. Pakistan railway authorities further reported that both the Chaman Passenger and Jaffar Express were prepared for departure when the blast went off, passengers of both the trains were present on the platform at the time of the explosion.

<h2>“Terrorists will pay a heavy price”</h2>

Pakistan’s leaders have responded strongly to the attack. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for a comprehensive investigation, and declared that “Terrorists will pay a heavy price for their heinous act”.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi noted that the attack appeared aimed at destabilising the country but emphasised that “the nation will foil their designs”.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/multans-aqi-remains-at-1900-as-thick-smog-blankets-pakistan-775007">Multan’s AQI remains at 1900 as thick smog blankets Pakistan</a>

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the People’s Party Chairman also condemned the attack, stating that such acts against innocent citizens deserve zero leniency and voicing support for actions to eliminate terrorist elements.

“We are backing all steps to get rid of the terrorists and their facilitators,” he said.

This incident has drawn attention to Pakistan’s ongoing security challenges, with officials vowing stronger protections to safeguard citizens.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Railways have temporarily suspended all train operations to and from the Quetta station in the aftermath of the deadly blast at Quetta station that claimed 26 lives and injured 62 on Saturday (Nov 9).

Pakistan Railways have temporarily suspended all train operations to and from the Quetta station in the aftermath of the deadly blast at Quetta station that claimed 26 lives and injured 62 on Saturday (Nov 9). The suspension will be in effect for five days and aims to ensure passenger safety amid heightened concerns. The suspension According to ARY News citing a railway spokesperson, the Quetta station will remain closed from November 11 to 14. Its closure is expected to impact several key routes — the Bolan Mail will resume its services after the closure, departing from Karachi to Quetta on November 16, and its return to Karachi is scheduled for November 18. Additionally, the Jaffar Express will depart from Peshawar to Quetta on November 14 and make the return journey on November 15. Also read | Blast at Quetta Railway Station in Pakistan: Death toll at 26, BLA claims responsibility for attack The explosion, which occurred just as the Jaffar Express was set to depart, shook the station during a busy time with many passengers on the platform. Pakistan railway authorities further reported that both the Chaman Passenger and Jaffar Express were prepared for departure when the blast went off, passengers of both the trains were present on the platform at the time of the explosion. “Terrorists will pay a heavy price” Pakistan’s leaders have responded strongly to the attack. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for a comprehensive investigation, and declared that “Terrorists will pay a heavy price for their heinous act”. Meanwhile, Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi noted that the attack appeared aimed at destabilising the country but emphasised that “the nation will foil their designs”. Also read | Multan’s AQI remains at 1900 as thick smog blankets Pakistan Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the People’s Party Chairman also condemned the attack, stating that such acts against innocent citizens deserve zero leniency and voicing support for actions to eliminate terrorist elements. “We are backing all steps to get rid of the terrorists and their facilitators,” he said. This incident has drawn attention to Pakistan’s ongoing security challenges, with officials vowing stronger protections to safeguard citizens. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan suspends all train operations to and from Quetta railway station after terrorist attack

At least 26 people were killed and 50 others were injured on Saturday (Nov 9) following a bomb blast at a railway station in Pakistan's Quetta, Balochistan. Addressing a press conference, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Muhammad Baloch said that an investigation was underway.

At least 26 people were killed and 50 others were injured on Saturday (Nov 9) following a bomb blast at a railway station in Pakistan's Quetta, Balochistan. Addressing a press conference, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Muhammad Baloch said that an investigation was underway. He said that the explosion took place inside the railway station when the Peshawar-bound express was about to leave for its destination. The dead included 14 soldiers. "Fourteen members of the army and 12 civilians were killed," said Wasim Baig, spokesperson for Quetta's Sandeman Provincial Hospital, raising an earlier toll of 25 provided by police. Forty-six members of the security forces and 14 civilians were wounded, Baig added. Blast occurred inside railway platform Citing Edhi Rescue Service head Zeeshan, a report by Dawn on Saturday said that the explosion occurred at a platform inside the railway station. In a statement, Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said that police and security forces had reached the site of the incident. Also read | Pakistan: Eight dead in suicide bombing in western town of Mir Ali A report by Dawn said that the bomb disposal squad was collecting evidence from the site and a report was sought on the explosion. A state of emergency was imposed in hospitals in the area. The statement said that the injured people were being provided with medical aid. BLA claims responsibility for explosion Rge Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has taken responsibility for the blast at the railway station in Quetta, calling it a suicide attack. Pakistan is grappling with a surge in strikes by separatist ethnic militants in the south and Islamist militants in its northwest. In August, at least 73 people were killed in Balochistan after separatist militants attacked police stations, railway lines and highways. (With inputs from agencies)

Blast at Quetta Railway Station in Pakistan: Death toll at 26, BLA claims responsibility for attack

Two police were killed and at least six other local people have been injured in a blast that took place in Serena Hotel in Quetta on Sunday evening.

The explosion took place at Zarghoon Road, near the University Chowk in the area. These bombs were placed on a motorcycle, near a police van, as per the initial police reports. It is believed that the target was the police van which was reportedly transporting 15 poliemen.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of Pakistan People's Party,&nbsp;was also reportedly staying in the same hotel, as per local media. "Condemn the bomb blast in Quetta. The government must stop appeasing terrorists and implement the National Action Plan," he tweeted.

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Condemn the bomb blast in Quetta. The government must stop appeasing terrorists and implement the National Action Plan.
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Whether or not Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was in the hotel at the time has not been made clear yet.

Emergency services such as police officials and ambulances have rushed to the spot of the explosion to help the injured.

All injured people have been taken to the nearby Civil Hospital, Deputy Inspector General Quetta informed local media. An emergency has been declared in all nearby hospitals as several casualties are being recorded.

Several windows of the nearby buildings were also shattered due to the explosion.

As of now, no group or individual has claimed this explosion.

An investigation has been launched into the attack.

(This is a developing story)

Two police were killed and at least six other local people have been injured in a blast that took place in Serena Hotel in Quetta on Sunday evening. The explosion took place at Zarghoon Road, near the University Chowk in the area.

Two police were killed and at least six other local people have been injured in a blast that took place in Serena Hotel in Quetta on Sunday evening. The explosion took place at Zarghoon Road, near the University Chowk in the area. These bombs were placed on a motorcycle, near a police van, as per the initial police reports. It is believed that the target was the police van which was reportedly transporting 15 poliemen. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of Pakistan People's Party, was also reportedly staying in the same hotel, as per local media. "Condemn the bomb blast in Quetta. The government must stop appeasing terrorists and implement the National Action Plan," he tweeted. Condemn the bomb blast in Quetta. The government must stop appeasing terrorists and implement the National Action Plan. — BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) August 8, 2021 × Whether or not Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was in the hotel at the time has not been made clear yet. Emergency services such as police officials and ambulances have rushed to the spot of the explosion to help the injured. All injured people have been taken to the nearby Civil Hospital, Deputy Inspector General Quetta informed local media. An emergency has been declared in all nearby hospitals as several casualties are being recorded. Several windows of the nearby buildings were also shattered due to the explosion. As of now, no group or individual has claimed this explosion. An investigation has been launched into the attack. (This is a developing story)

Two policemen killed, six others injured in Quetta bomb attack

It's been five days since the killing of Hazara miners in Pakistan and families of the dead are still refusing to bury the dead. Even the funeral is yet to be carried out.

The miners were killed by the Islamic state and mourners are protesting the deaths. About 2500 people are sitting on the outskirts of Quetta since Sunday. They have just one demand. They want the Prime Minister of Pakistan to come and meet them.

Imran khan hasn't shown up yet. But Maryam Nawaz Sharif has. The vice-president of Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) arrrived in Quetta in Thursday afternoon with a delegation of ministers. She then went on to meet the families of the slain miners. She hugged and condoled the protesters. And urged them to bury the dead.

At the same time, she asked Imran Khan to show some humanity and come to Quetta.

It was a rather moving speech.

"I don't know what I can offer you because my party is not in power. Besides raising my voice, I won't be able to do anything for you. But yes, because I am a mother and a daughter, I understand your pain. I am a sister, I understand your pain. And I want to tell Mr Imran Khan that you are a father, brother &amp; you have a family. May God protect your children, but put them before you and try to understand this pain," she said.

And Maryam Nawaz was not alone. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the chairman of Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has also reached Quetta. He arrived at Quetta airport a short while after Maryam Nawaz. He went straight to the protest site and met the kin of the slain coal miners. He said, in Pakistan everything had become costly, but the blood of Pakistani citizens remains inexpensive.

"We're living in a Pakistan, where everything has become expensive, gas, electricity, food, everything. But the blood of our people remains inexpensive. The blood of our labourers," he said.

The killings have become a national flashpoint. It's not just the opposition that is speaking up. There are reactions pouring in from across the world. The Afghan Ministry of Foreign affairs has written to the Pakistan govt saying that 7 out of the 11 miners that were killed were Afghan nationals.

It has sought return of 3 bodies as their families wanted to bury them in Afghanistan.

The United Nations has issued a statement too.

A spokesperson for the UN secretary-general has extended condolences on his behalf..

“...The secretary-general strongly condemns the terrorist attack and killing of at least 11 coal miners in the Balochistan province of Pakistan . He extends his sincere condolences to the families of the miners..' said the spokesperson.

The time for condolences and reassurances has long passed. It's time to put pressure on Prime Minister Imran Khan to go after Islamic State terrorists in Balochistan.

It's been five days since the killing of Hazara miners in Pakistan and families of the dead are still refusing to bury the dead. Even the funeral is yet to be carried out.

It's been five days since the killing of Hazara miners in Pakistan and families of the dead are still refusing to bury the dead. Even the funeral is yet to be carried out. The miners were killed by the Islamic state and mourners are protesting the deaths. About 2500 people are sitting on the outskirts of Quetta since Sunday. They have just one demand. They want the Prime Minister of Pakistan to come and meet them. Imran khan hasn't shown up yet. But Maryam Nawaz Sharif has. The vice-president of Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) arrrived in Quetta in Thursday afternoon with a delegation of ministers. She then went on to meet the families of the slain miners. She hugged and condoled the protesters. And urged them to bury the dead. At the same time, she asked Imran Khan to show some humanity and come to Quetta. It was a rather moving speech. "I don't know what I can offer you because my party is not in power. Besides raising my voice, I won't be able to do anything for you. But yes, because I am a mother and a daughter, I understand your pain. I am a sister, I understand your pain. And I want to tell Mr Imran Khan that you are a father, brother & you have a family. May God protect your children, but put them before you and try to understand this pain," she said. And Maryam Nawaz was not alone. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the chairman of Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has also reached Quetta. He arrived at Quetta airport a short while after Maryam Nawaz. He went straight to the protest site and met the kin of the slain coal miners. He said, in Pakistan everything had become costly, but the blood of Pakistani citizens remains inexpensive. "We're living in a Pakistan, where everything has become expensive, gas, electricity, food, everything. But the blood of our people remains inexpensive. The blood of our labourers," he said. The killings have become a national flashpoint. It's not just the opposition that is speaking up. There are reactions pouring in from across the world. The Afghan Ministry of Foreign affairs has written to the Pakistan govt saying that 7 out of the 11 miners that were killed were Afghan nationals. It has sought return of 3 bodies as their families wanted to bury them in Afghanistan. The United Nations has issued a statement too. A spokesperson for the UN secretary-general has extended condolences on his behalf.. “...The secretary-general strongly condemns the terrorist attack and killing of at least 11 coal miners in the Balochistan province of Pakistan . He extends his sincere condolences to the families of the miners..' said the spokesperson. The time for condolences and reassurances has long passed. It's time to put pressure on Prime Minister Imran Khan to go after Islamic State terrorists in Balochistan.

Pakistan opposition leaders visit slain miners' families in Quetta

Minority Shi'ite Hazaras blocked traffic in a sit-in protest for a third day in the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta on Sunday (April 14) after a suicide bomb killed 19 people in an outdoor market, many of them ethnic Hazaras.

Minority Hazaras in Pakistan protest for third day after Quetta attack

Gunmen killed five men, including three Shia Muslims from the ethnic Hazara minority, in southwest Pakistan on Monday, a police official said, giving details of the second shooting targeting Hazaras in a month.

The attack took place in Quetta, where nearly half a million Hazaras have settled since fleeing Afghanistan to escape the violence in their homeland during the past four decades.

The attackers opened fire from a motorcycle killing the five men who were travelling in the back of a pick-up truck, on their way to sell vegetables at a market, the official said.

&quot;It was a sectarian target killing,&quot; senior police officer Malik Nisar told Reuters, adding that the attackers escaped after opening fire.

&quot;It was unclear initially, but now we know that it was three Hazaras among the five people killed,&quot; he said.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Hazaras are frequently targeted by Taliban and Islamic State militants, and other Sunni Muslim militant groups in both Pakistan and Afghanistan.

More than 20 Hazaras have been killed in similar<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/balochistan-suicide-attack-outside-sufi-shrine-kills-13-wounds-20-21057" target="_blank"> shootings in Baluchistan </a>in the past two years, police say.

In 2013, three separate bombings killed over 200 people in Hazara neighbourhoods, raising international awareness of the plight of the community.

The ongoing violence in Pakistan&#39;s Baluchistan province has fuelled concern about security for projects in the $57-billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor, a transport and energy link planned to run from western China to Pakistan&rsquo;s southern deep-water port of Gwadar.

A suicide bombing at a Sufi shrine in the Baluch town of Jhal Magsi on Thursday killed 22 people and wounded more than 30 others.

The bombing was claimed by Islamic State and is the latest sectarian attack in the restive province.

Taliban and other Sunni Islamist militants are active in the province, while ethnic Baluch separatists have run a low-level insurgency for decades, mounting attacks on security forces and other targets linked to the central government.

Elsewhere in Pakistan on Monday, an official said gunmen killed three soldiers and wounded eight in an attack on their vehicle in the semi-autonomous tribal region of North Waziristan.

North Waziristan was a Taliban stronghold until 2014 when Pakistan&#39;s military launched a major offensive against the group and pushed many of its fighters across the border into Afghanistan.

Following Monday&#39;s attack, security forces closed off roads in Razmak district, and surrounding villages.

The attack took place in Quetta, where nearly half a million Hazaras have settled since fleeing Afghanistan to escape the violence in their homeland during the past four decades

Gunmen killed five men, including three Shia Muslims from the ethnic Hazara minority, in southwest Pakistan on Monday, a police official said, giving details of the second shooting targeting Hazaras in a month. The attack took place in Quetta, where nearly half a million Hazaras have settled since fleeing Afghanistan to escape the violence in their homeland during the past four decades. The attackers opened fire from a motorcycle killing the five men who were travelling in the back of a pick-up truck, on their way to sell vegetables at a market, the official said. "It was a sectarian target killing," senior police officer Malik Nisar told Reuters, adding that the attackers escaped after opening fire. "It was unclear initially, but now we know that it was three Hazaras among the five people killed," he said. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Hazaras are frequently targeted by Taliban and Islamic State militants, and other Sunni Muslim militant groups in both Pakistan and Afghanistan. More than 20 Hazaras have been killed in similar shootings in Baluchistan in the past two years, police say. In 2013, three separate bombings killed over 200 people in Hazara neighbourhoods, raising international awareness of the plight of the community. The ongoing violence in Pakistan's Baluchistan province has fuelled concern about security for projects in the $57-billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor, a transport and energy link planned to run from western China to Pakistan’s southern deep-water port of Gwadar. A suicide bombing at a Sufi shrine in the Baluch town of Jhal Magsi on Thursday killed 22 people and wounded more than 30 others. The bombing was claimed by Islamic State and is the latest sectarian attack in the restive province. Taliban and other Sunni Islamist militants are active in the province, while ethnic Baluch separatists have run a low-level insurgency for decades, mounting attacks on security forces and other targets linked to the central government. Elsewhere in Pakistan on Monday, an official said gunmen killed three soldiers and wounded eight in an attack on their vehicle in the semi-autonomous tribal region of North Waziristan. North Waziristan was a Taliban stronghold until 2014 when Pakistan's military launched a major offensive against the group and pushed many of its fighters across the border into Afghanistan. Following Monday's attack, security forces closed off roads in Razmak district, and surrounding villages.

Gunmen target Hazara minority in southwest Pakistan, 5 dead

A militant attack on a police training academy in Pakistan&#39;s western city of Quetta has left at least 61&nbsp;people dead, international news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Pakistan on Tuesday mourned the killing of the people in&nbsp;the deadliest attack on a security installation in the country`s history.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The home minister of Balochistan province, Sarfaraz Bugti, said the attack &ndash; which began last night at 11.30 pm local time on Monday&nbsp;&ndash; was carried out by three militants&nbsp;and not six as was previously estimated by the&nbsp;Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

&nbsp;

Bugti said two of the three gunmen blew themselves up to avoid being captured and that the third militant was killed in a gunfight with Pakistani security forces.

&nbsp;

Bugti had previously pegged the death toll at 44,&nbsp;but rescue officials updated the figure to at least 59.

&nbsp;

The attackers are believed to have been affiliated to the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi Al Almi militant group, an offshoot of the Pakistani Taliban,&nbsp;senior Pakistan Army officer Sher Afghan told the Pakistani newspaper Dawn.

&nbsp;

The militants had communicated with handlers in Afghanistan and had taken instructions from them, he added.

&nbsp;

The attackers stormed the front gate of the Balochistan Police College, gunning down a policeman manning the only entrance to the academy.

&nbsp;

There were some 700 police cadets on campus when the attack began.

&nbsp;

Most of the&nbsp;injured, some of whom are in critical condition, have been admitted to three diferent hospitals in Quetta &mdash;&nbsp;Civil Hospital, Bolan Medical College Hospital, and Military Hospital.

&nbsp;

Bugti said a Frontier Corps official and a captain were among the injured.

&nbsp;

&quot;Security forces, including the Frontier Corps and the Pakistan Army light brigade, have cleared 95 per cent of the college area,&quot; Bugti said, when asked about the combing operation that got under way after the gunmen were dead.

&nbsp;

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack on the training centre and directed provincial and federal authorities to crack down on the perpetrators.

&nbsp;

The police training centre&nbsp;is considered one of the most sensitive areas of Quetta, the capital city of Balochistan province. It has previously come&nbsp;under attack in 2006&nbsp;and 2008. In 2006,&nbsp;attackers had fired rockets into the college courtyard.

&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the United States also extended its condolences. &quot;We stand with the people of Pakistan and government of Pakistan at this difficult hour, and we will continue to work with our partners in Pakistan and across the region to combat the threat of terrorism,&quot; State Department spokesperson John Kirby said.

&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies)

Two of the attackers reportedly blew themselves up to avoid being captured, the third was killed in a gun battle with security forces

A militant attack on a police training academy in Pakistan's western city of Quetta has left at least 61 people dead, international news agency AFP reported. Pakistan on Tuesday mourned the killing of the people in the deadliest attack on a security installation in the country`s history. The home minister of Balochistan province, Sarfaraz Bugti, said the attack – which began last night at 11.30 pm local time on Monday – was carried out by three militants and not six as was previously estimated by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Bugti said two of the three gunmen blew themselves up to avoid being captured and that the third militant was killed in a gunfight with Pakistani security forces. Bugti had previously pegged the death toll at 44, but rescue officials updated the figure to at least 59. The attackers are believed to have been affiliated to the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi Al Almi militant group, an offshoot of the Pakistani Taliban, senior Pakistan Army officer Sher Afghan told the Pakistani newspaper Dawn. The militants had communicated with handlers in Afghanistan and had taken instructions from them, he added. The attackers stormed the front gate of the Balochistan Police College, gunning down a policeman manning the only entrance to the academy. There were some 700 police cadets on campus when the attack began. Most of the injured, some of whom are in critical condition, have been admitted to three diferent hospitals in Quetta — Civil Hospital, Bolan Medical College Hospital, and Military Hospital. Bugti said a Frontier Corps official and a captain were among the injured. "Security forces, including the Frontier Corps and the Pakistan Army light brigade, have cleared 95 per cent of the college area," Bugti said, when asked about the combing operation that got under way after the gunmen were dead. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack on the training centre and directed provincial and federal authorities to crack down on the perpetrators. The police training centre is considered one of the most sensitive areas of Quetta, the capital city of Balochistan province. It has previously come under attack in 2006 and 2008. In 2006, attackers had fired rockets into the college courtyard. Meanwhile, the United States also extended its condolences. "We stand with the people of Pakistan and government of Pakistan at this difficult hour, and we will continue to work with our partners in Pakistan and across the region to combat the threat of terrorism," State Department spokesperson John Kirby said. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Quetta attack: At least 61 dead in Pakistan after 3 militants storm police college

A militant attack on a police training academy in Pakistan&#39;s western city of Quetta has left at least 58 people dead and a 118 injured.&nbsp;

The home minister of Balochistan province, Sarfaraz Bugti, said the attack &ndash; which began last night at 11.30 pm local time &ndash; was carried out by three militants&nbsp;and not six as was previously estimated by the&nbsp;Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Bugti said two of the three gunmen blew themselves up to avoid being captured and that the third militant was killed in a gunfight with Pakistani security forces.

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<h5>The attackers are believed to have been affiliated to the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi Al Almi militant group, an offshoot of the Pakistani Taliban</h5>
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Bugti had previously pegged the death toll at 44,&nbsp;but rescue officials updated the figure to 58.

&quot;In the early morning, we have the latest death toll of 58 people who died during the attack last night,&quot; doctor Nasir Sumalani at&nbsp;Quetta&#39;s government hospital told AFP.

The attackers are believed to have been affiliated to the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi Al Almi militant group, an offshoot of the Pakistani Taliban,&nbsp;senior Pakistan Army officer Sher Afghan told the Pakistani newspaper Dawn.

The militants had communicated with handlers in Afghanistan and had taken instructions from them, he added.

The attackers stormed the front gate of the Balochistan Police College, gunning down a policeman manning the only entrance to the academy.

There were some 700 police cadets on campus when the attack began.

Most of the&nbsp;injured, some of whom are in critical condition, have been admitted to three diferent hospitals in Quetta &mdash;&nbsp;Civil Hospital, Bolan Medical College Hospital, and Military Hospital.

Bugti said a Frontier Corps official and a captain were among the injured.

&quot;Security forces, including the Frontier Corps and the Pakistan Army light brigade, have cleared 95 per cent of the college area,&quot; Bugti said, when asked about the combing operation that got under way after the gunmen were dead.

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack on the training centre and directed provincial and federal authorities to crack down on the perpetrators.

The police training centre&nbsp;is considered one of the most sensitive areas of Quetta, the capital city of Balochistan province. It has previously come&nbsp;under attack in 2006&nbsp;and 2008. In 2006,&nbsp;attackers had fired rockets into the college courtyard.

Meanwhile, the United States also extended its condolences. &quot;We stand with the people of Pakistan and government of Pakistan at this difficult hour, and we will continue to work with our partners in Pakistan and across the region to combat the threat of terrorism,&quot; State Department spokesperson John Kirby said.

(WION with inputs from agencies)

A militant attack on a police training academy in Pakistan's western city of Quetta has left at least 58 people dead and a 118 injured. The home minister of Balochistan province, Sarfaraz Bugti, said the attack – which began last night at 11.30 pm local time – was carried out by three militants and not six as was previously estimated by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Bugti said two of the three gunmen blew themselves up to avoid being captured and that the third militant was killed in a gunfight with Pakistani security forces. The attackers are believed to have been affiliated to the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi Al Almi militant group, an offshoot of the Pakistani Taliban × Bugti had previously pegged the death toll at 44, but rescue officials updated the figure to 58. "In the early morning, we have the latest death toll of 58 people who died during the attack last night," doctor Nasir Sumalani at Quetta's government hospital told AFP. The attackers are believed to have been affiliated to the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi Al Almi militant group, an offshoot of the Pakistani Taliban, senior Pakistan Army officer Sher Afghan told the Pakistani newspaper Dawn. The militants had communicated with handlers in Afghanistan and had taken instructions from them, he added. The attackers stormed the front gate of the Balochistan Police College, gunning down a policeman manning the only entrance to the academy. There were some 700 police cadets on campus when the attack began. Most of the injured, some of whom are in critical condition, have been admitted to three diferent hospitals in Quetta — Civil Hospital, Bolan Medical College Hospital, and Military Hospital. Bugti said a Frontier Corps official and a captain were among the injured. "Security forces, including the Frontier Corps and the Pakistan Army light brigade, have cleared 95 per cent of the college area," Bugti said, when asked about the combing operation that got under way after the gunmen were dead. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack on the training centre and directed provincial and federal authorities to crack down on the perpetrators. The police training centre is considered one of the most sensitive areas of Quetta, the capital city of Balochistan province. It has previously come under attack in 2006 and 2008. In 2006, attackers had fired rockets into the college courtyard. Meanwhile, the United States also extended its condolences. "We stand with the people of Pakistan and government of Pakistan at this difficult hour, and we will continue to work with our partners in Pakistan and across the region to combat the threat of terrorism," State Department spokesperson John Kirby said. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Quetta terror attack: 58 dead in Pakistan after 3 militants storm police college

By Taha Siddiqui

&nbsp;

Three suicide bombers entered a police training academy in the garrison city of Quetta in Pakistan on Monday at about 11:30 pm and wreaked havoc, killing more than 60 fresh recruits.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A battle between the security forces led by Pakistan Army and the assailants ensued and&nbsp;lasted for nearly five hours. The Pakistan Army managed to clear the area, killing one bomber while the other two detonated themselves.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Islamic State claimed the attack through its news agency, posting a photo of the three bombers. &nbsp;However, WION correspondent also received an email from the Pakistani Taliban&rsquo;s Karachi faction that also claimed the attack.&nbsp;Earlier, the Pakistan Army on its official site had&nbsp;said that Lashkar-e-Jhangvi Aalmi was behind the attack&ndash; a group known to have links with another militant outfit al Qaeda.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Security experts are of the view that there is nothing new about conflicting claims&nbsp;as many militants work for different outfits but cooperate with each other during such terror attacks.

&nbsp;

Pakistan Army Chief General Raheel&nbsp;met Prime Minister Nawaz&nbsp;Sharif at a high-level security meeting where the law and order situation of the restive Balochistan province, home to many notorious militant organisations, was discussed.&nbsp;Reports also suggest that militants from the Afghan Taliban have taken a refuge in the province.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Besides the foreign militant groups, local ethnic population has also been waging a war against the Pakistani state for the last three decades as the Baloch people demand a separate state.

&nbsp;

The province grabbed headlines in the&nbsp;recent months after the India Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsquo;s Independence Day speech where he raised the issue of Balochistan.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

China, Pakistan&rsquo;s so-called all-weather friend, is heavily investing in the province in exchange of access to the Gwadar seaport in the region.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

However, amid the worsening law and order situation in the province, analysts are skeptical if the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) can become a reality one day.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In August, a suicide bombing at a Quetta hospital claimed by the Pakistani Taliban had killed 73 people, including some members of the city&#39;s lawyer community, who had gone there to mourn the fatal shooting of a colleague.

&nbsp;

In the wake of spate in terror attacks in Pakistan in the past two months, questions are being raised about the country&rsquo;s counter-terrorism policy.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Several militant groups, especially those engaged in regional conflicts, continue to exist on Pakistani soil.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&ldquo;You see them operating all around us. Everywhere. They openly hold rallies, and congregations, and put banners across the cities&hellip; So where is the zero tolerance policy and the National Action Plan?&rdquo; says senator Rubina Khalid, who belongs to Pakistan People&rsquo;s Party, which leads the opposition in the parliament.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The National Action Plan was established by government of Pakistan in 2015 following 2014 Peshawar school attack that had left more than 130 children dead. The plan aims to crack down on terrorism.

&nbsp;

Later, the government also announced a zero-tolerance militant policy, however, its implementation is questionable.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&ldquo;There is no good or bad Taliban. They are all the same. Being on [Pakistan&rsquo;s] side does not make you good &ndash; an evil is an evil,&rdquo; Khalid adds.

&nbsp;

(WION)&nbsp;

After a spate of terror attacks in Pakistan over the past two months, questions are being raised about its counter-terrorism policy

By Taha Siddiqui Three suicide bombers entered a police training academy in the garrison city of Quetta in Pakistan on Monday at about 11:30 pm and wreaked havoc, killing more than 60 fresh recruits. A battle between the security forces led by Pakistan Army and the assailants ensued and lasted for nearly five hours. The Pakistan Army managed to clear the area, killing one bomber while the other two detonated themselves. The Islamic State claimed the attack through its news agency, posting a photo of the three bombers. However, WION correspondent also received an email from the Pakistani Taliban’s Karachi faction that also claimed the attack. Earlier, the Pakistan Army on its official site had said that Lashkar-e-Jhangvi Aalmi was behind the attack– a group known to have links with another militant outfit al Qaeda. Security experts are of the view that there is nothing new about conflicting claims as many militants work for different outfits but cooperate with each other during such terror attacks. Pakistan Army Chief General Raheel met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at a high-level security meeting where the law and order situation of the restive Balochistan province, home to many notorious militant organisations, was discussed. Reports also suggest that militants from the Afghan Taliban have taken a refuge in the province. Besides the foreign militant groups, local ethnic population has also been waging a war against the Pakistani state for the last three decades as the Baloch people demand a separate state. The province grabbed headlines in the recent months after the India Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech where he raised the issue of Balochistan. China, Pakistan’s so-called all-weather friend, is heavily investing in the province in exchange of access to the Gwadar seaport in the region. However, amid the worsening law and order situation in the province, analysts are skeptical if the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) can become a reality one day. In August, a suicide bombing at a Quetta hospital claimed by the Pakistani Taliban had killed 73 people, including some members of the city's lawyer community, who had gone there to mourn the fatal shooting of a colleague. In the wake of spate in terror attacks in Pakistan in the past two months, questions are being raised about the country’s counter-terrorism policy. Several militant groups, especially those engaged in regional conflicts, continue to exist on Pakistani soil. “You see them operating all around us. Everywhere. They openly hold rallies, and congregations, and put banners across the cities… So where is the zero tolerance policy and the National Action Plan?” says senator Rubina Khalid, who belongs to Pakistan People’s Party, which leads the opposition in the parliament. The National Action Plan was established by government of Pakistan in 2015 following 2014 Peshawar school attack that had left more than 130 children dead. The plan aims to crack down on terrorism. Later, the government also announced a zero-tolerance militant policy, however, its implementation is questionable. “There is no good or bad Taliban. They are all the same. Being on [Pakistan’s] side does not make you good – an evil is an evil,” Khalid adds. (WION)

Quetta attack: Time to review good and bad Taliban policy

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