A devastating car bomb explosion outside the headquarters of Pakistan’s paramilitary Frontier Corps in Quetta has resulted in at least 10 fatalities and left over 30 people injured. The blast, which occurred on the morning of October 1, 2025, shattered the calm in Zarghoon Road, a prominent area of Quetta, the capital city of Balochistan province.
The explosion was followed by intense gunfire, indicating the possibility of an organized attack. Authorities have confirmed that two of the victims were law enforcement personnel, while the rest were civilians. The impact of the blast was so severe that nearby buildings were damaged, and shards of glass from windows injured numerous people in the vicinity. Witnesses have described the explosion as overwhelming, with one survivor recalling the utter chaos that followed.
Balochistan’s Chief Minister condemned the bombing as a “terrorist attack,” and further investigation pointed to the possibility of a retaliatory action. This follows a series of counter-insurgency operations in the region, where groups like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) have suffered heavy losses. These operations, bolstered by Chinese technology such as communication equipment and drones, have increased tensions in an already volatile region.
Balochistan, despite being rich in natural resources like oil, gas, and copper, remains Pakistan’s poorest province. This economic disparity, alongside resentment over Chinese investments, has sparked repeated attacks on Chinese nationals and infrastructure in the area. The region also plays a pivotal role in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), making it a focal point for both economic and geopolitical tensions.
Local insurgent groups, including the BLA and Baloch Liberation Front (BLF), have long sought an independent Balochistan, and the current conflict is exacerbated by this ongoing demand. The harsh geography of Balochistan, with its rugged terrain, has made it a challenging area for both insurgents and government forces to control, leading to continued violence and instability in the region.
While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, the incident is likely linked to the escalating conflict in Balochistan, with the region’s political and economic struggles fueling the ongoing insurgency.
