In a harrowing act of terror that has shaken the nation’s conscience, a school bus carrying children in Balochistan’s Khuzdar district was targeted in a brutal blast on Wednesday morning, leaving five people dead, including three innocent children, and injuring dozens more.
The explosion occurred near Khuzdar Zero Point, transforming what should have been a normal school day into a scene of devastation and heartbreak. Initial reports confirm that the injured were swiftly rushed to CMH Khuzdar, while those in critical condition have been referred to medical facilities in Quetta and Karachi.
According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the cowardly attack was “planned and orchestrated by the terrorist state of India through its proxies in Balochistan.” The military’s communication denounced the incident as another attempt to destabilize Pakistan following its success in Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.
“Three innocent children and two adults embraced martyrdom while several others suffered injuries in yet another cowardly and ghastly attack,” the ISPR stated, vowing justice and nationwide resolve to eliminate terror threats.
A Nation Grieves, Leadership Responds
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by federal ministers including those of defense, interior, and information, landed in Quetta shortly after the incident to receive security briefings and oversee the response. Speaking with visible emotion, the premier condemned the bombing as a “cowardly act of terror against the future of Pakistan.”
“The attack on innocent children is a blatant display of barbarity and a direct strike at the heart of our nation,” PM Shehbaz stated. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. We will hold the perpetrators and their sponsors accountable.”
A scheduled state ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr to honor Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir was postponed at his own request in light of the tragedy. Both the Prime Minister and the Field Marshal visited the injured and were briefed by military leadership and intelligence officials.
President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack as a “heinous and inhumane crime” and pledged to raise the issue of Indian-sponsored terrorism at the global level. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar echoed this stance, promising that the “planners and orchestrators of this heinous act will be brought to justice.”
Pain, Outrage, and Resolve
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti issued strong statements condemning the targeting of schoolchildren as the “height of cowardice” and vowed a relentless pursuit of justice.
In an emotional media briefing, CM Bugti confirmed that 42 people were injured in the attack, and revealed that Pakistani intelligence had credible information about Indian plans to create unrest in Balochistan.
“We had intelligence regarding Indian efforts to destabilize our province,” said Bugti. “But we did not expect such depravity as to target schoolchildren. This is the true face of Indian state terrorism.”
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also issued a powerful condemnation, calling the targeting of schoolchildren a “red line that must never be crossed.” It urged the government to strengthen civilian institutions and protect the basic rights of all citizens, especially vulnerable communities.
The Human Cost
The grief-stricken families of the victims now face unimaginable pain. School bags, shattered windows, and the distant echoes of innocent laughter turned into silence now mark the site of tragedy. Community members gathered outside CMH Khuzdar in tears, trying to find their loved ones amid the chaos.
Parents searched for answers. One grieving father, his voice trembling, told “My daughter was just learning to read… what threat was she to anyone?”
A Message of Unity and Defiance
While the tragedy casts a long shadow, the national response has been one of unity and determination. Pakistan’s armed forces reaffirmed their commitment to eradicating terrorism in all forms and holding India’s proxies accountable.
“This attack will not break us. We will stand together as one nation, with one resolve,” the ISPR stated. “Our enemies have failed before and will continue to fail in the face of our unity.”
Final Words
As Pakistan mourns the loss of its children, the tragedy in Khuzdar stands as a brutal reminder of the threats the country continues to face. But it is also a reminder of the strength and unity of a people who will not be broken. The martyrs of Khuzdar, especially the young children, are not forgotten — they are a call to conscience for all.
APPAC Hosts Emotional Celebration Honoring Pakistan’s Victory.
New York, USA — In a powerful display of unity, patriotism, and solidarity, the American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC) organized a memorable program to celebrate Pakistan’s recent historic victory over India and to honor the bravery and professionalism of the Pakistani Armed Forces.
The event drew an enthusiastic crowd, with people from diverse backgrounds—including professionals, students, families, and community elders—coming together to show their support for Pakistan. The highlight of the evening was the presence of Pakistan’s Consul General in New York, Mr. Aamer Atozai, who joined in the celebrations and participated in the ceremonial cake-cutting.
Leaders and representatives from all major Pakistani-American organizations were also in attendance,
The gathering was spearheaded by Dr. Pervaiz Iqbal, President of APPAC, and Dr. Ijaz Ahmad, Chairman and Founding Member of the organization. Both leaders delivered passionate speeches, thanking the community for its continued support and emphasizing the importance of diaspora engagement during critical national moments and standing shoulder to shoulder in a moving display of unity and unwavering commitment to the homeland.
Speakers emphasized the importance of the overseas Pakistani community in advocating for Pakistan’s perspective on global platforms. Key points of discussion included:
Amplifying Pakistan’s narrative on key geopolitical issues in international forums.
Engaging with global media and political stakeholders to promote balanced reporting.
Supporting Pakistan’s defense and humanitarian causes during crises.
Educating Pakistani youth abroad about their heritage and responsibilities as cultural ambassadors.
The event served as a strong reminder of the potential and responsibility of the Pakistani diaspora in shaping global opinions and supporting the nation in critical times.
Organizers expressed heartfelt gratitude to all attendees for their presence and active participation. The evening concluded with a renewed pledge to continue collective efforts in building a vibrant and influential diaspora community that remains deeply connected to Pakistan.
Pakistan Zindabad.
