At least 5 dead, 16 injured in blast, gun attack on Quetta church

At least five people, including a woman, were killed in a blast and 16 others injured at a Catholic church in Quetta city after which law enforcers have been dispatched to the area.

Initial reports say that a few terrorists have attacked the church located on Quetta's Zarghoon Road.

Balochistan’s home minister says that apparently, the attack targeted the church where prayers of the Christian community were being held.

According to Quetta Deputy Commissioner Farukh Atiq, at least five people lost their lives while 16 others have been injured during an attack on the church.

Balochistan Home Minister Sarfaraz Bugti said that a suicide bomber blew himself up at the entrance gate of the church when stopped by the security guards while another one managed to get inside.

On the instructions of CM Balochistan and Health Ministry, an emergency has been declared in public hospitals of Quetta. “All doctors and paramedics staff shall be vigilant and must use all available resources to give maximum proper health care facilities to the injured ones,” an official statement said.

Eyewitnesses say that a number of people have also sustained injuries who are now being shifted to hospital.

Meanwhile, Foreign Office has condemned the attack on the church.

This is a developing story and will be updated accordingly.

At least 5 dead, 16 injured in blast, gun attack on Quetta church