In Pakistan’s Quetta, at least 16 people were killed and over two dozen others injured in a blast that targeted members of the Hazara community on Friday, reported the Dawn.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Abdul Razzaq Cheema confirmed the death toll to DawnNewsTV and that the blast was targeted at the ethnic community.
“The attack took place in a [green grocer’s] shop. An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was planted in a gunny sack filled with potatoes. Whether it was timed or remote-controlled, our experts will tell. Right now they are investigating,” DIG Cheema said.
Eight of those killed were Hazara. At least one Frontier Corps soldier deputed for their security was also martyred in the attack, DIG Cheema said. Others who lost their lives included shopkeepers, businessmen and citizens working or residing in the area.
Four FC soldiers were among the injured.
“We are giving our attention to the wounded at this time,” he said. They have been shifted to Bolan Medical Complex for treatment, and an emergency has been declared in hospitals in the city.
“We have arranged transportation back [home] for Hazaras who remained unhurt in the attack,” he added.
