One policeman was martyred while 17 people sustained injuries in a blast near Balochistan University on Quetta’s Saryab Road on Monday, officials said.
Law enforcement agencies and rescue officials reached the scene shortly after the incident was reported. The area was cordoned off by security officials.
Rescue officials shifted the injured people to the Civil Hospital Quetta and Bolan Medical Complex Hospital.
Balochistan government spokesperson Liaquat Shahwani said that a police truck deputed outside the varsity gate was targeted and an explosive device was planted in a motorcycle.
He said that those responsible for the blast will be arrested and brought to justice.
In a tweet, he gave the names of the injured and the dead.
Initially, Shahwani had said that one police official was martyred and eleven people, including seven cops and four passersby, were injured. Later, he updated his tweet and said that 17 people had been injured in the incident.
Civil Hospital Spokesperson Dr Wasim Baig added that the injured included 13 police officials and four passersby.
Provincial Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove said that police officials had been providing security to protesting students outside the varsity when the blast took place.
“The attackers wanted to target the students, but police officials were targeted due to tight security arrangements in place,” the minister said.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed condemned the incident and said that he had sought a report from the Balochistan IGP. He also offered condolences to the family of the martyred official.
“We will not allow terrorists to destroy the province’s peace. The federal government will provide resources and support to the provincial government,” he said.