November 9, 2024: At least 20 people have been confirmed dead, and more than 30 others have been injured following a powerful explosion at Quetta Railway Station, located in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province. The blast occurred on Saturday as a train was preparing to depart for Peshawar.

According to senior police officials, the explosion has raised suspicions of a suicide bombing, though investigations are still ongoing to determine the exact cause. Quetta's Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations, Mohammad Baloch, told reporters that the incident "seems to be a suicide blast," but emphasized that it was too early to draw any definitive conclusions. He added that about 100 people were present at the station when the explosion took place.

The Balochistan government spokesperson, Shahid Rind, confirmed that emergency services, including police and security forces, had quickly arrived at the scene. The Bomb Disposal Squad was on site collecting evidence, and a comprehensive investigation into the nature of the blast was underway.

In a statement, Rind confirmed that an "emergency" had been declared in local hospitals to handle the influx of injured victims, with medical aid being provided to those affected.

The attack has raised security concerns in the region, as Balochistan has been a hotspot for insurgent and militant activities in recent years. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the attack, and further details are expected in the coming hours.

Local authorities have vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice as the community reels from this tragic event. The blast marks a significant escalation in violence within the province, which has faced ongoing challenges related to political instability and security threats.