QUETTA (April 16, 2025) – In a stunning turn of events, a brazen early morning attack shook the entire nation of Pakistan. Precisely, a remote-controlled bomb went off close to a Balochistan Constabulary (BC) bus on Dasht Road in Mastung district, killing three security personnel and wounding 20 others. Significantly, the Mastung Terrorist Attack occurred at approximately 8:15 AM, just 35 kilometers from the provincial capital of Quetta, marking one of the deadliest assaults on security personnel in the country this year.
Detailed Description of the Attack
The ill-fated BC unit was on its way from its Kalat base to ensure security for a Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) political sit-in at Lakpass when tragedy hit. Witnesses narrated how a motorbike filled with approximately 7-10 kilograms of military explosives exploded just as the bus was moving through the Kund Masoori area.
“The explosion was so powerful it lifted the whole bus into the air,” said local shopkeeper Ahmed Khan, one of the first on the scene. “Sadly, the screams of the wounded were unheard—these were men who had waved at schoolchildren minutes earlier.”
Casualty Breakdown and Medical Response
In the initial stages, the Mastung Terrorist Attack left the following casualties:
- 3 BC personnel killed outright (named as Head Constable Farid Ahmed, 42; Constable Nasir Khan, 28; and Constable Bilal Hussain, 25)
- 20 wounded, including:
- 2 seriously wounded (shrapnel to vital organs)
- 5 with severe burns
- 13 with moderate injuries
Meanwhile, emergency protocols were quickly initiated:
- Mastung District Hospital took in all the casualties initially.
- In a quick response, Army helicopters evacuated critical patients to Quetta’s Civil Hospital Trauma Center within 90 minutes.
- Moreover, the provincial health department issued an urgent appeal for O+ and B+ blood donations.
Forensic Investigation Findings
At 4:00 PM, the Bomb Disposal Unit’s initial report indicated shocking details about the Mastung Terrorist Attack:
Explosive Device:
- Remote-controlled IED with ball bearing casing
- Military-grade C-4 explosive compound
- Detonated via cellular signal (GSM trigger)
Attack Methodology:
- Motorcycle (blue Yamaha 125cc, stolen 3 days prior from Kuchlak)
- Explosives loaded in a converted fuel tank
- Trigger operator estimated to be within a 500m radius
Evidence Collected:
- Serial numbers of motorcycle parts
- SIM card remains from the detonator
- Explosive package fingerprints
Terror Group Profile: BRAS Link
Even though no organization has taken credit, forensic traces and modus operandi strongly point toward the outlawed Baloch Raaji Aajoi Sangar (BRAS). The Mastung Terrorist Attack bears hallmarks of previous BRAS operations, including:
- Signature Modus Operandi: Same remotely operated IEDs used in:
- 2024 Noshki FC camp attack (11 killed)
- 2023 Gwadar Port attack (5 killed)
- Strategic Timing: Coincided with BNP-M political mobilization and CPEC security reviews.
National Security Implications
After the attack, immediate measures included:
- “Category A” security for all political events in Balochistan.
- Armed escorts mandated for security force movements.
- 72-hour suspension of motorbike sales in Quetta division.
Moving Forward
As evening descended upon Mastung, combing operations continued in nearby mountains. The Mastung Terrorist Attack not only represents a tragic loss but also a critical test for Pakistan’s counter-terrorism strategy ahead of national elections and CPEC progress.
