Suicide Car Bomb Hits School Bus in Balochistan: Four Children Killed, Dozens Injured

A suicide car bomb targeted a school bus on the outskirts of Khuzdar in Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan early Wednesday, killing at least four children and injuring more than 38 others, according to local authorities.

The powerful explosion, which took place in the Baleli area of Khuzdar district, was caused by an explosive-laden vehicle that rammed into the bus carrying schoolchildren. The bus was reportedly operated by a military-run institution, although it remains unclear if any security personnel were on board.

Casualties and Emergency Response

District Health Officer Khuzdar confirmed the deaths of four minors and stated that many of the injured were in critical condition. Emergency services transported the victims to nearby hospitals, where medical teams are working to stabilize the wounded. Several children suffered severe burns and head injuries, officials said.

Security forces and bomb disposal units quickly sealed off the area to prevent secondary explosions. A search operation was launched to locate any accomplices or additional threats in the vicinity.

Suspected Perpetrators and Investigations

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. However, security officials suspect the involvement of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group known for targeting both military and civilian institutions in the province.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack, describing it as “a horrifying act of terrorism.” He suggested that foreign intelligence agencies could be backing the insurgents, though did not name specific countries. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed this sentiment, calling the bombing a "cowardly attack on innocent children" and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Political and Social Reactions

Condemnations poured in from across the political spectrum. Opposition parties, provincial leaders, and civil society organizations united in their denunciation of the violence. The incident has reignited debates on school safety and the protection of children in conflict zones.

Social media platforms in Pakistan were flooded with hashtags such as #KhuzdarAttack, #PrayForBalochistan, and #SchoolBusTragedy, with citizens expressing outrage and grief.

Background and Security Context

Balochistan has long been plagued by separatist insurgency and militant violence. The attack follows a pattern of recent assaults in the province, including:

• A female suicide bombing in Kalat in March that killed one paramilitary soldier.

• A deadly hostage crisis on the Jaffar Express train, where over 20 civilians were killed before the military intervened.

• A roadside IED attack on security forces earlier this month.

The Pakistani military has recently intensified its operations under Operation Herof 2.0, aimed at rooting out militants across the region. Security analysts believe Wednesday’s attack could be a retaliatory response to these ongoing efforts.

Next Steps and Security Measures

Following the bombing, local authorities ordered the temporary closure of schools in Khuzdar and neighboring districts. Security around educational institutions has been increased, and a review of safety protocols for student transportation is underway.

The federal government has also announced compensation packages for the families of the victims and free medical care for the injured. Meanwhile, intelligence agencies are continuing their investigation, focusing on possible BLA networks active in southern Balochistan.

Correction and Updates

Initial reports cited five fatalities; authorities have since confirmed four child deaths and 38 injuries. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.