PMDC Official Killed in Roadside Blast Near Quetta
A PMDC official lost his life and his driver was critically injured in a roadside explosion near Quetta on Sunday. The incident occurred in the Sor Range coalfield, about 30km from Quetta, as PMDC coal project manager Shabar Ali Mirza was en route to the coal mines. The explosion, seemingly triggered by a remote-controlled improvised explosive device (IED), occurred on the road connecting Quetta to the Sor Range coalfield, where PMDC operates.
Emergency services, police, and Frontier Corps personnel promptly responded, transferring the deceased and the injured driver to Civil Hospital Quetta. While no individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack, a Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) team initiated an investigation. Balochistan’s Caretaker Chief Minister and Home Minister denounced the attack and pledged to bring the culprits to justice, emphasizing the resilience of the people and security forces against terrorism.
‘Toy Bomb’ Blast Claims Boy’s Life in Bannu
A 12-year-old boy died, and his mother and a young relative were injured when a ‘toy bomb’ detonated inside a home in Bannu’s Garbaz Bakkakhel area on Sunday. The tragic incident occurred as children discovered the device and brought it indoors. The explosion claimed the life of Zabeehullah, the 12-year-old son of Zahidur Rehman, while his 36-year-old mother and 23-year-old relative, Waseemullah, suffered injuries.
They were promptly transported to the District Headquarters Hospital. Following the blast, police and bomb disposal experts arrived at the scene to gather evidence and neutralize any potential additional explosives. A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway.
Policeman Martyred, Others Injured in Militant Attack on Hathala Police Station
A police officer was killed and a few others were wounded in an attack on the Hathala police station in Dera Ismail Khan district on Sunday night. Reports indicate that multiple grenades were launched at the police building, causing damage to its main gate.
The officers defended themselves from within, engaging in a gunfire exchange that lasted nearly an hour. It was discovered that the militants also targeted the thermal imaging equipment used to monitor nighttime attackers. Hathala was recently promoted from a police post to a police station, receiving increased manpower and resources due to multiple prior attacks in recent months.
