Quetta blast
\nInjured taken to Civil Hospital Quetta, several remain in critical condition
\n QUETTA
\nAt least 16 people, including two Frontier Corps personnel and eight civilians, were killed on Tuesday in a suicide bombing and exchange of fire near Pishin Stop in Quetta, according to Balochistan Health Minister Bakht Kakar.
\nHe said more than 30 others \u2014 including women and children \u2014 were injured and taken to Civil Hospital Quetta, where six remain in critical condition.
\nKakar said dry food and other items were recovered from the possession of six slain terrorists, suggesting they had planned a prolonged confrontation after entering the Frontier Corps (FC) headquarters.
\nAccording to him, the attackers arrived in two vehicles. One was blown up in a suicide attack near a barrier, while the second attempted to enter the FC headquarters but was stopped by personnel at the checkpoint.
\nTwo FC personnel were killed in the exchange of fire.
\nSecurity forces cordoned off the area and launched an investigation.
\nThe explosion was powerful enough to shatter the windows and doors of nearby buildings.
\nPresident Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday strongly condemned the suicide attack in Quetta, which he said was carried out by the Indian proxy Fitna al Khawarij. In a statement, the president said that elements serving the interests of Fitna al Khawarij and India could not undermine Pakistan\u2019s peace and stability.
\nHe commended the security forces for their timely and effective response in foiling what he called the \u201cmalicious designs of the terrorists.\u201d President Zardari also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured Frontier Corps (FC) personnel and lauded the courage and resolve of the country\u2019s security forces in defending the motherland.
\nHe reaffirmed Pakistan\u2019s determination to continue thwarting what he described as \u201cthe nefarious designs of India-backed miscreants,\u201d adding that the growing frustration of anti-Pakistan forces reflected their failure and inevitable downfall.
\n\u201cAs the global and regional scenario is shifting against anti-Pakistan states and their proxies, they are getting desperate. Pakistan, its people and the security forces shall prevail, Insha Allah,\u201d President Zardari said.
\nPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for killing terrorists of Fitna-al-Hindustan involved in the Quetta terrorist attack.
\nIn a statement, the prime minister prayed for the swift recovery of the personnel and civilians injured in the attack.
\nHe said the \u201cnefarious designs of those who harmed the lives and property of innocent and defenceless citizens would be crushed.\u201d
\n\u201cThe elements attempting to harm Pakistan\u2019s integrity will be dealt with exemplary punishment. The government, security forces, and the entire nation are determined to eradicate terrorism and Fitna-al-Hindustan from the country,\u201d Prime Minister Shehbaz said.
\nBalochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemned the Quetta blast, praising the swift and effective response of security forces.
\nHe said four terrorists were \u201csent to hell\u201d in the operation, adding that terrorists could not weaken the nation\u2019s resolve through cowardly acts. \u201cThe sacrifices of the people and security institutions will not go in vain,\u201d Bugti said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Quetta blast Injured taken to Civil Hospital Quetta, several remain in critical condition QUETTA At least 16 people, including two Frontier Corps personnel and eight civilians, were killed on Tuesday in a suicide bombing and exchange of fire near Pishin Stop in Quetta, according to Balochistan Health Minister Bakht Kakar. He said more than 30 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":505932,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-505909","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-top-news"},"yoast_head":"\n