ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Prime Minister Imran Khan has issued directives for carrying out an immediate inquiry into the blast in Quetta, and also increased security for the people.
Earlier on Friday morning, a blast ripped through a fruit and vegetable market at Quetta’s Hazarganji area, killing at least 20 people and leaving 48 further wounded.
As per the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Abdul Razzaq Cheema, the blast targeted the Hazara Ethnic Community.
“Deeply saddened & have strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Hazarganji market area of Quetta targeting our innocent people,” Imran Khan said in a tweet.
“I have asked for an immediate inquiry & increased security for the people. Prayers go to the families of the victims & for early recovery of the injured,” he added.
Deeply saddened & have strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Hazarganji market area of Quetta targeting our innocent people. I have asked for an immediate inquiry & increased security for the ppl. Prayers go to the families of the victims & for early recovery of the injured.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 12, 2019
“The attack took place in a [green grocer’s] shop. An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was planted in a gunny sack filled with potatoes. Whether it was timed or remote-controlled, our experts will tell. Right now they are investigating,” the DIG Abdul Razzaq Cheema was quoted as saying by Dawn News while talking to reporters at the site of the attack.