A powerful car bomb exploded on Tuesday outside the paramilitary headquarters in Quetta, Pakistan, killing at least eight people and injuring several others, officials told news agency AP. The blast was reportedly heard miles away, creating panic across the area, as emergency services rushed the wounded to nearby hospitals.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but suspicion has fallen on separatist insurgents active in Balochistan. Provincial Health Minister Bakhat Kakar warned that the death toll could rise further. Balochistan has long faced violence from groups like the banned Baloch Liberation Army, which demands independence from Pakistan.

It is being speculated that the blast was the result of the rising tensions in the region. Earlier, on September 3, a suicide bombing at a political rally in Quetta killed 11people and injured over 40. The explosion occurred in a stadium car park where hundreds of supporters of the Balochistan National Party (BNP) had gathered.

Pakistan has been battling a long-running insurgency in Balochistan. In 2024 alone, around 782 people were killed. In March, the Baloch Liberation Army seized a train, killing off-duty troops. Since the beginning of the year, over 430 people, mostly security personnel, have lost their lives in attacks, including six soldiers in Bannu

What sparked tension in Balochistan

Tensions in Balochistan and Pakistan have been fueled by a long-running insurgency in the province.Separatist groups like the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) want independence or more autonomy. They say the region faces political neglect, poor development, and resource exploitation.

Militants often target security forces, government installations, and infrastructure projects, resulting in hundreds of deaths in recent years. Political instability and attacks on rallies, such as those of the Balochistan National Party, have further escalated unrest. 

Balochistan’s strategic location, bordering Iran and Afghanistan, and its rich resources, including gas and the Gwadar port, make it a hotspot for violence and external influence. Recent attacks in 2024, including suicide bombings and ambushes, have intensified fear and instability across the region.