QUETTA  - An explosion at a seminary reportedly wounded three people at Eastern Bypass in the outskirts of Quetta on Sunday morning.
Police sources said the blast took place at an unregistered seminary damaging four rooms of the religious school and a nearby house. Three people were reportedly wounded in the explosion.
It could not be confirmed where the injured were shifted to a hospital for treatment, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations) Muhammad Jaffar said. He said police, besides recovering explosive material from the debris, also found laptop, computer, motorbike, a remote control, liquid, acid, aluminum powder, batteries, cells, wires and other materials used in preparing IED.
Quoting people of the area, police officer said children were being taught Holy Quran at this seminary. “People in the area say it was a religious seminary and an Afghan national lived there. It was not registered with Balochistan government. However, police found some religious literature from the rubble,” Jaffar added.
He said people were preparing explosive materials which went off prematurely.
“Investigations are under way into the incident. Police have searched all hospitals in Quetta but could not find the people who were injured in the blast,” another police officer Bashir Barhavi said. However, it has not been confirmed that where they wanted to plant these IEDs and what was their target in the Quetta city.
Talking to media persons Balochistan Home Secretary Asad Gilani said there was an intelligence sharing between police and secret agencies on a daily basis. “Police have foiled many terror bids, though these have not been highlighted,” he said.
He said Quetta is vulnerable to sectarian and militant attacks and law enforcers are taking all necessary steps to maintain peace in the city. Following the US drone strike that killed TTP leader Hakimullah Mahsud, security has been beefed up in sensitive areas of provincial capital including that of military cantonment, Chief Minister’s House, IG FC and IG Balochistan police residences and provincial secretariat.