Khuzdar, Balochistan — May 21, 2025
At least six people, including four children, were killed and dozens more wounded in a devastating explosion targeting a school bus in the Khuzdar district of Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
Blast Targets Army Public School Bus
The explosion occurred near Zero Point in Khuzdar at approximately 7:40 a.m. local time as the bus was transporting students to the Army Public School. According to Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, the bus was carrying 44 to 46 students at the time of the attack.
“The attack resulted in the martyrdom of four children, the bus driver, and his assistant,” Bugti said during a press briefing in Quetta. He added that at least 38 people were wounded, many seriously, and that critically injured children were being airlifted to Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Quetta for treatment.
Nature of the Attack Still Under Investigation
Initial investigations suggest the blast was caused by a vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Device (IED). However, some reports described it as a suicide bombing, though officials have called it premature to confirm the exact nature of the attack.
Yasir Iqbal Dashti, Khuzdar’s government official, described the incident as a “heinous and cowardly” attack on innocent children.
No Claim of Responsibility Yet; Pakistan Accuses Indian Proxies
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. However, Pakistan’s military and government officials have accused Indian-backed terror proxies of orchestrating the bombing.
The military’s media wing released a statement blaming India, calling the attack “cowardly” and vowing to bring the planners and executors to justice. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the bombing, expressing deep sorrow and extending sympathies to the victims’ families.
India Denies Allegations
The Indian government rejected Pakistan’s accusations as “baseless” and a diversion from Pakistan’s internal security challenges.
In a statement, India’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “India condoles the loss of lives in all such incidents. However, it is second nature for Pakistan to blame India for its internal issues in an attempt to hoodwink the world. This attempt is doomed to fail.”
Background: Ongoing Conflict in Balochistan
Balochistan has long been troubled by separatist insurgencies and violence. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a terrorist organization, has claimed responsibility for previous attacks. Pakistani authorities also accuse the BLA of being an Indian proxy, a charge the group denies.
The region has seen a series of violent incidents, including a deadly train siege in March that killed over 20 civilians and military personnel.
National and International Reactions
The attack drew widespread condemnation from Pakistani leaders and international entities.
- President Asif Ali Zardari described the assault as a “heinous and inhuman crime” and vowed to eliminate Indian-backed terrorists.
- Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called the attackers “beasts who target children” in a deliberate attempt to destabilize Pakistan.
- National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq condemned the attack as “cowardly and shameful,” vowing justice.
- The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) condemned the “horrific attack” and expressed solidarity with the victims.
- The United States Embassy in Pakistan issued a statement calling the attack “brutal” and reaffirmed support for efforts to end violence.
- The Chinese Embassy expressed deep condolences and opposition to all forms of terrorism.
Fragile Regional Ceasefire Amid Rising Tensions
The blast comes just weeks after Pakistan and India agreed to a fragile ceasefire following a two-week conflict sparked by militant attacks in Kashmir. Both countries continue to accuse each other of supporting terrorism, complicating peace efforts in the region.
Authorities have pledged to conduct a thorough investigation and bring those responsible to justice. The tragic attack on innocent schoolchildren underscores the ongoing security challenges facing Balochistan and the broader tensions between Pakistan and India.