On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta was rocked by a devastating attack outside the headquarters of the country’s paramilitary security forces. According to authorities cited by Sky News and the Associated Press, a powerful car bomb exploded, killing at least 10 people and wounding 30 others. The blast, which targeted the Frontier Constabulary compound, sent shockwaves—both literal and figurative—throughout the region, underscoring the persistent threat posed by militant groups in Balochistan.
Witnesses described a scene of chaos and terror. Mohammad Usman, who lives near the paramilitary headquarters, told Associated Press, “The windowpanes of my house shattered, and part of the building was damaged, but thanks to God we are all safe.” He added that the explosion was followed by gunfire, a detail corroborated by both local television footage and police reports. The blast was so powerful that it could be heard from miles away, shattering windows and damaging vehicles and nearby buildings, according to AP and WRAL.
The attack unfolded with chilling precision. Police and provincial officials told Shia Waves and AP that as many as six militants were inside the vehicle when it arrived at the compound’s gate. Before the bomb detonated, the attackers exited the car and engaged in a fierce firefight with security forces. All attackers were ultimately killed by security personnel during the exchange, a point emphasized by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti. According to Shia Waves, ambulances rushed to the scene, ferrying the wounded to nearby hospitals as security forces secured the area.
Provincial Health Minister Bakhat Kakar warned that the death toll could rise, given the severity of the injuries. He told reporters, as cited by AP, that although the attackers had clearly targeted the security forces’ headquarters, “most of those killed and injured were civilians.” Among the more than 30 wounded, several were in critical condition, and hospitals in Quetta braced for additional casualties throughout the day.
In the immediate aftermath, no group claimed responsibility for the bombing. However, officials pointed out a grim pattern: separatist militants, especially those active in Balochistan, have frequently targeted both civilians and security personnel in the region. The outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and similar groups have waged a long-running insurgency, demanding independence from Pakistan’s central government. According to AP, these groups have often relied on bombings and armed assaults—tactics that have left a trail of destruction across the province.
The attack came just weeks after a suicide bombing outside a stadium near Quetta, which killed at least 13 people and wounded 30 others. That incident, like Tuesday’s car bombing, highlighted the region’s ongoing instability and the challenges faced by security forces in preventing such tragedies.
Pakistan’s leadership responded swiftly and publicly. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif both condemned the bombing, praising the security forces for their rapid and decisive response. In a statement, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti echoed their sentiments, declaring, “Terrorists cannot break the nation’s resolve through cowardly acts, and the sacrifices of our people and security forces will not go in vain.” Bugti emphasized that his government remained committed to making Balochistan a peaceful and secure place, despite the persistent threat of insurgency.
Footage aired by local television channels and reviewed by AP showed a car pulling up in front of the paramilitary compound’s gate, followed by a massive explosion and a burst of gunfire. The aftermath was grim: windows blown out, cars mangled, and the street littered with debris. Ambulances and rescue workers scrambled to tend to the wounded, while security personnel cordoned off the area in search of any secondary threats.
According to Sky News and AP, the paramilitary headquarters targeted in the attack is a key installation for Pakistan’s Frontier Constabulary, a force tasked with maintaining order in the restive province. The group has often found itself on the front lines against armed separatists and other militant factions.
Balochistan’s struggle with insurgency is nothing new. The province, which borders both Afghanistan and Iran, has long been a flashpoint for violence. Groups like the BLA have accused the central government of exploiting the region’s natural resources while neglecting its people. In response, the Pakistani state has launched numerous military operations, but peace has remained elusive. The attack on Tuesday is only the latest in a series of violent incidents that have left both civilians and security personnel dead or wounded.
Tuesday’s bombing also reignited debates over security and intelligence in Pakistan. Critics have often pointed to lapses in surveillance and coordination among various agencies, particularly in areas like Quetta where the risk of attack is well-known. Supporters of the government, meanwhile, have highlighted the bravery and efficiency of the security forces, who managed to neutralize all the attackers before they could inflict even greater harm.
For the residents of Quetta, the attack was a harsh reminder of the dangers they face daily. “We heard a huge blast and then gunfire,” said another witness to Shia Waves. “People were running everywhere, and the police were shouting for everyone to stay down.” The fear and confusion were palpable, as families frantically searched for loved ones and hospitals struggled to cope with the influx of casualties.
Internationally, the bombing drew condemnation from rights groups and concern from foreign governments, many of whom have urged Pakistan to redouble its efforts to combat terrorism and protect civilians. While the country has made significant strides in recent years, attacks like the one in Quetta highlight the enduring challenges that lie ahead.
As the dust settles, the people of Quetta are left to mourn their dead and care for the wounded. The government’s pledge to bring peace and security to Balochistan remains as urgent as ever, but for many, Tuesday’s events have left scars—both physical and emotional—that will not soon heal.
