New Delhi (NVI): At least four people were killed as a deadly explosion rocked Quetta city in Pakistan’s occupied Balochistan province, just hours before a major anti-government rally to oust Imran Khan, who has been accused of being installed by the military in a rigged 2018 election.
The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), a coalition of 11 parties, held its third anti-government rally at Ayub Ground in Quetta. According to Samaa TV, several people have been injured, besides four dead in the deadly blast that took place in a market in Hazarganji area of Quetta.
A graphic video shared by a Baloch journalist and activist showed a damaged vehicle in flames and dead bodies on ground.
Deadly explosion hits Hazarganji, Quetta, occupied #Balochistan. At least 3 killed and 6 wounded. Which happened as #PDM prepared a rally in the city. #PDMJalsaQuetta#StopStateTerrorism pic.twitter.com/gRLMLdQRvN
— Jamal Balóc (@Jam__Baloch) October 25, 2020
Three bodies were taken to Civil Hospital while one is at Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Samaa TV reported. The rally site is, however, 35 to 40 minutes away from the blast site.
Earlier, the Opposition leaders of PDM were warned by Balochistan authorities about threats in the city by terrorists prior to the rally.
Meanwhile, mobile and internet services in Quetta city were shut down due to the rally, creating problems for residents wanting to contact each other, the Pakistan news website reported.
Last month, nine major opposition parties had formed a joint platform called the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) to begin a nationwide agitation against the government.
-ARK
