Initial probe reveals Quetta blast as terrorist attack

Investigators believe it was carried out by two TTP sub-groups

ISLAMABAD   -  The initial investigations by law enforcement agencies including CTD of Balochistan have termed terrorist attack on Quetta on 21st April, as terrorist attack/suicide attack and believed it was carried out by Jamiat-ul-Ahrar and Hizb-ul-Ahrar, sub groups of TTP.

According to the CTD document, the attacker was of Afghan origin, however his original identity including name and location from where he moved is being traced by the investigating agencies. 

A joint investigation team which is investigating the terrorist attack has widened its investigations including the aspect whether Chinese Ambassador was the target or someone else.

In Islamabad, Foreign Office senior officials held contacts with top Chinese officials in the aftermath of the Quetta blast and it was decided to make the security of Chinese Ambassador more tough while on field visits across Pakistan. According to the sources, Chinese officials have expressed complete confidence over Pakistani security agencies and said they would continue to carry out their routine work on various projects in Pakistan.

Serena Hotel security staff and cameras records were also taken for investigations to ascertain how explosive carrying vehicle made entry into hotel parking.

Following the terrorist attack, security of Chinese Embassy in Islamabad and consulates including senior diplomats in all four provinces has been beefed up.

At present various Chinese companies are active in different ongoing development projects in Balochistan, and CTD has sent an alert to various cities including Sibi, Makran, Rakshan, Naseerabad, Khuzdar and Zhob over presence of two suicide bombers in the province, one of whme CTD believe has moved over to Islamabad/Rawalpindi and has said the bombers could explode explosives in any of the mentioned cities in the coming days.

After receiving such reports security of important installations including Chinese Missions in twin cities has been beefed up.

ePaper - Nawaiwaqt