Quetta: Yet the whole nation was observed the third anniversary of the APS’ martyrs just before a day, the country witnessed another bloody day in Quetta when terrorists assaulted at Methodist Church, killing at least eight and around 45 injured on Sunday.
In line with media reports, a blast and heavy firing was heard near Methodist Church which is located at Zarghoon Road.
As a result of brutal terrorists attack, eight people were martyred and 28 others, including two women were wounded in a bomb explosion near a church on Zarghoon Road in Quetta.
The wounded persons were shifted to hospitals and emergency already was imposed in the hospitals.
Among the dead are Akash, Mehak Sohail, guard Goredge, Fazal and Azad including two women whose names are yet to be confirmed.
Firing also took place between security forces and a group of terrorists on this occasion. IG Balochistan said on suicide bomber was killed by police on gate of the church while other blown himself inside the building.
IG Moazzam Ansari, speaking to the press, said that two suicide bombers attacked the church.
“One of them blew himself up at the gate of the church while the police shot the second terrorist dead.
“Both of the attackers could not enter the premises of the church,” he said.
Law enforcement agencies besieged the area.
Large contingents of Frontier Corps (FC) and Police have reached the scene to control the situation. The law enforcement agencies have started an operation to neutralize the attackers.
Bomb Disposal Squad also reached the scene.
It is pertinent to mention that large number of people were present in the church to attend their prayers.
It should be noted that the incident took place just a week away from Christmas.
Chief Minister (CM) of Balochistan Sanaullah Zehri on Sunday strongly condemned the blast outside the Church in Quetta and termed it as cowardly and regrettable.
He also directed the officials concerned to extend every type of cooperation to the families of bomb victims.
CM said the terrorist were the enemies of Pakistan who wanted to destabilize the country. “We stand together in the fight against the evil and we are absolutely sure that it will be defeated,” he added.
“Balochistan is in conflict zone and the government and the people of the province are in a state of war. They are fighting against terrorists and our war will continue till complete elimination of the terrorists,” he highlighted.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and President Mamnoon Hussain also strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Quetta.
”These cowardly attacks cannot shake our unflinching national resolve against terrorism and extremism,” the PM, president said.
Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal has also strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Quetta.
In a statement condemning the attack, he said the attack on church is tragic and cowardly.
He said anti-state elements want to spread violence in the country but we will continue war against terrorism till the complete eradication of such elements from the country.
The Minister said Islam teaches us respect of minorities and their places of worship.
He said the protection of religious freedom of minorities is duty of the whole nation.
Speaker and Deputy Speaker National Assembly have also condemned the attack in Quetta.
They expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the attack.
They said terrorists have no religion, they are enemies of humanity.
They said all religions condemn such act by terrorists of targeting places of worship for their nefarious designs.
Governor Balochistan Muhammad Khan Achakzai and Chief Minister, Sardar Sanaullah Zehri has too strongly condemned the bomb explosion.
They have directed health authorities to provide best medical treatment to the wounded persons.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal has condemned the terrorist attack.
In a tweet message, he said Pakistan’s resolve against terrorism cannot be deterred by these cowardly acts of terrorists.