UN chief condemns deadly train explosion in Pakistan's Balochistan

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned a suicide bomb attack on a passenger train in Pakistan's Balochistan province on Sunday, calling it an unacceptable act of terrorism.

The blast, which struck near the Chaman railway crossing in Quetta on May 24, killed at least 24 people and injured more than 70 others.

What happened in the Balochistan train attack?

A suicide bomber targeted a passenger shuttle train at the Chaman railway crossing in Quetta, killing at least 24 people and wounding dozens more, according to officials. The train was carrying military personnel at the time of the attack.

The Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attack, saying 82 Pakistani military personnel were killed and 121 were injured, figures that could not be independently verified. Pakistani authorities launched investigations into the blast.

What did the UN secretary-general say about the attack?

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Guterres extended his deepest condolences to the families of those killed and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

"The Secretary-General strongly condemns the explosion targeting a train in Pakistan's Balochistan province," the statement said. He reiterated that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is unacceptable and called for those responsible to be identified and brought to justice.

The statement reaffirmed the U.N.'s solidarity with the people and government of Pakistan and underscored continued U.N. support as Pakistan confronts the threat of terrorism.

Who does Pakistan blame for the Quetta train bombing?

Security sources described the attack as carried out by what they called the Indian-backed proxy group "Fitna al-Hindustan."

Pakistani officials alleged that anti-state elements operating from India and Afghanistan were targeting civilian infrastructure to destabilise the country.

Abbasi said militant networks operating from those countries would not succeed in their "nefarious designs."

What did officials say about the pattern of attacks?

Security officials said groups unable to confront Pakistan's security forces directly were increasingly targeting soft civilian locations to spread fear and instability.

Authorities described the targeting of passenger trains and unarmed civilians as contrary to Baloch traditions and values. Officials also said Pakistan's recent diplomatic and strategic gains had frustrated hostile regional actors, prompting attacks on civilians and public infrastructure.