The separatist group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) says it was behind the attack.
At least 24 people have been killed and dozens injured after a bomb exploded at a train station in Pakistan’s northwestern Balochistan city of Quetta, near the border with Afghanistan.
The bombing occurred while passengers were waiting for a train to the garrison city of Rawalpindi.
The separatist group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement. The group said a suicide bomber targeted soldiers at the train station. Police said they were investigating the allegation.
According to a representative of the Pakistani government, the number of victims of the attack is likely to increase, as some of the injured passengers are in critical condition.
Local media reported that at least 20 people were killed in the bombing.
Balochistan has suffered from separatist attacks
Balochistan is the largest and poorest province of Pakistan, but rich in natural resources. At the same time, it is the residence of separatist militants.
In the past, militants have also targeted energy projects implemented with foreign funding, especially those financed by China. they blame outsiders for exploiting the area while local residents are deprived of the benefits.
The BLA has often claimed responsibility for the deadly attacks. They have targeted security forces or other Pakistanis from the provinces, especially Punjabis.
In August, at least 73 people were killed in Balochistan province when separatist militants attacked police stations, railway lines and highways. The BLA claimed responsibility for the coordinated attacks, in which dozens of attackers killed at least 39 people.
Casualty number updated at 7:42 am
Updated 8.20 with background information from the Balochistan region, the number of victims increased.
Updated 9.23: The BLA said it targeted soldiers.
Sources: AP, AFP, Reuters