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2025 Khuzdar school bus bombing

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2025 Khuzdar school bus bombing
Part of Insurgency in Balochistan and Terrorism in Pakistan
Location of Khuzdar district (red)
LocationKhuzdar, Balochistan, Pakistan
Date21 May 2025
Attack type
Suicide bombing, improvised explosive device attack, vehicle-ramming attack
Deaths11 (including the perpetrator)
Injured53
Perpetrators Balochistan Liberation Army (alleged by Pakistan)
No. of participants
1

On 21 May 2025 a suicide bombing occurred on a school bus in Khuzdar, located in the Pakistani province of Balochistan.[1][2] A suicide bomber drove an explosive-laden vehicle into a school bus transporting students of the Army Public School. The attack took place around 7:40 a.m. local time (2:40 GMT)[3] and resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people: eight children, the bus driver and a bus conductor.[4] A total of 53 people, including 39 children, were injured in the explosion.[5][6][7][8] The suicide bomber himself died by detonating itself.

Bombing

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On 21 May 2025, a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a school bus in Khuzdar city, located in the southwestern Pakistani province of Balochistan,[1] at a place known as Zero Point, 8 kilometers from the city center in the Khuzdar district.[4] The bus was transporting 46 students of the Army Public School in Khuzdar.[6][7] Three children were killed instantly, and several others sustained injuries.[9][10][11] Subsequently, five more students succumbed to their injuries, raising the death toll to 10.[5][12][13][14]

The Bomb Disposal Squad later confirmed that the attacker's vehicle contained over 30 kilograms of explosives.[15]

Responsibility

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No group immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing. Pakistani authorities accused Indian intelligence agencies of orchestrating the attack through proxy militant groups, amid heightened bilateral tensions due to the fallout of the last month's Pahalgam attack and the subsequent 2025 India–Pakistan conflict.[3][6][16][8] Deutsche Welle said "[o]bservers say there could be several motives for the attack, but it cannot be ruled out that the attack could have been prevented if there were no flaws in the security plan and effective arrangements were made."[8]

Pakistani officials indicated that the bombing bore the hallmarks of previous Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) attacks and confirmed that the attack was premeditated, aimed at demoralizing Pakistani forces by targeting their families.[2][17] A preliminary investigation report into the attack was submitted to the government while a case of assault was registered at a Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) police station by local authorities.[8]

India rejected allegations of involvement. In a statement posted on X, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said "India rejects the baseless allegations made by Pakistan regarding Indian involvement with the incident in Khuzdar." Further claiming the allegation from Pakistan was to "divert attention from its reputation as the global epicentre of terrorism".[18][19]

Abdullah Khan, a senior security analyst based in Islamabad and Managing Director of the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) in an interview with Deutsche Welle, said the Balochistan insurgency is complex and "[w]e should not blame anyone without investigation like the Indian Pahalgam claim", as no group has claimed responsibility so far, unlike previous attacks such as the Jaffar Express hijacking. Khan said the motive of the attack "could be that anti-peace elements are trying to weaken the state writ".[8] Mir Khuda Bakhsh Marri, a political analyst on Balochistan affairs and former Sindh minister said the provincial government was "blaming outsiders to hide their incompetence". Marri said there is "need to formulate a strategy to improve this situation through a comprehensive investigation", and that the provincial government was "defaming the state due to its incompetence and this apathy and negligence is being taken advantage of by those who do not want peace here".[8]

Following statements by the DG ISPR Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry attributing Khuzdar attack to external actors, Pakistani government officials declared their intention to take decisive action and ensure accountability for the perpetrators.[20] General Chaudhry also claimed that "Indian social media accounts affiliated with the Indian intelligence agency RAW posted about the attack beforehand."[21]

Investigation

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Following the incident, Pakistan's Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) registered a formal case and initiated an investigation in coordination with intelligence agencies. Preliminary analysis confirmed the use of over 30 kilograms of explosives in a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED).[22] Forensic teams collected evidence from the blast site, including vehicle remnants and explosive residues. Pakistani officials later alleged that the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) was behind the attack, accusing Indian intelligence of providing support, claims India firmly denied. As of 25 May 2025, no group had claimed responsibility, and the investigation remained ongoing.[23][24][25][26]

Reactions

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  • Afghanistan: The spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Zabihullah Mujahid strongly condemned the attack and also rejected any Pakistani attribution to Afghan involvement in the attack.[27][28]
  • Canada: The Canadian High Commission condemned the attack, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, including children, and extended condolences to the victims' families.[29][30]
  • China: Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong condemned the attack and expressed support for advancing counter-terrorism operations by Pakistan.[31][32]
  • Germany: German Ambassador to Pakistan, Alfred Grannas condemned the attack. Tweeting that "We are shocked by this murder of innocent civilians, including children."[33][34]
  • India: The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack and expressed condolences.[35] India also rejected Pakistani claims of Indian involvement in the attack as "baseless allegations" and further stated that any "attempt to hoodwink the world is doomed to fail".[36][37]
  • Iran: The Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam condemned the attack and expressed condolences.[28]
  • Poland: Polish Ambassador Maciej Pisarski strongly condemned the attack, calling it incomprehensible and inexcusable.[38]
  • Russia: A spokesperson for the Russian Embassy in Pakistan strongly condemned the "cowardly" attack and expressed deepest condolences to the bereaved families.[30]
  • Turkey: In an official statement, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and injuries, noting that they were "deeply saddened by the loss of lives, including children, and many injuries caused by the terrorist attack".[39]
  • United Kingdom: British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott strongly condemned the "horrendous attack". She expressed deep sorrow over the loss of children's lives and the targeting of minors in the attack.[40]
  • United States: U.S. Chargé d'Affaires, Natalie A. Baker strongly condemned the bombing, describing it as a "brutal and unconscionable attack", and stated that "the murder of innocent children is beyond comprehension". She expressed deep sympathy with the victims, adding that "we grieve with the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts are with those recovering".[28][41]
  • UNICEF: UNICEF South Asia strongly condemned the attack on children and stated that children should never be a victim of violence as well as expressed concern on the security of children in Pakistan.[42]
  • United Nations: The United Nations Security Council strongly condemned the attack, calling it a cowardly and reprehensible act. It expressed sympathy with the families of the victims, wished a speedy recovery to the injured, and emphasized that those responsible must be brought to justice.[43][44]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Suicide bomber strikes school bus in Pakistan, killing 4 children, officials say". ABC News. The Associated Press. 21 May 2025. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  2. ^ a b Saifi, Sophia; Achakzai, Mujeeb (21 May 2025). "Three children and two adults killed in suicide attack on school bus in Pakistan". CNN. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  3. ^ a b Nader, Emir; Ng, Kelly (21 May 2025). "Pakistan: School bus attack in Balochistan kills at least five people". BBC news. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  4. ^ a b Kazim, Mohammad (21 May 2025). "خضدار اسکول بس حملہ: 'ایک باپ نے اپنے سارے بچے کھو دیے، بچوں کی ٹانگیں چاک جبکہ آنتیں جسم سے باہر لٹکی ہوئی تھیں'" [Khuzdar School Bus Attack: "A father lost all his children; the children's limbs were torn, and their intestines were hanging out."]. BBC Urdu (in Urdu). Retrieved 22 May 2025.
  5. ^ a b "Death toll from Pakistan school bus bombing rises to 8 as Islamabad blames India". Associated Press. 23 May 2025. Retrieved 23 May 2025.
  6. ^ a b c "At least six killed in southwest Pakistan school bus blast". Al Jazeera. 21 May 2025. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  7. ^ a b ur-Rehman, Zia (21 May 2025). "School Bus Bombing in Pakistan Kills at Least 6, Including 4 Students". The New York Times. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  8. ^ a b c d e f Kakkar, Abdul Ghani (21 May 2025). "خضدار اسکول بس حملہ، ہلاکتوں کی تصدیق حکام نے کردی" [Khuzdar school bus bombing: Authorities confirm death toll]. Deutsche Welle (in Urdu). Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  9. ^ Ahmed, Saleem (21 May 2025). "Suicide attack on school bus kills five in Pakistan's Balochistan". Reuters. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  10. ^ Akhter, Javed (21 May 2021). "پاکستان: آرمی پبلک اسکول بس پر خود کش حملہ، چار بچے ہلاک" [Pakistan: Suicide attack on Army Public School bus, four children killed]. Deutsche Welle (in Urdu). Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  11. ^ Shahid, Saleem; Shahwani, Abdul Wahid (22 May 2025). "PM vows strong action against perpetrators after school bus blast in Khuzdar". Dawn. Retrieved 23 May 2025.
  12. ^ "Death toll from Khuzdar bombing rises to eight". The Express Tribune. 24 May 2025. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
  13. ^ Syed, Baqir Sajjad (24 May 2025). "Army vows to go on with IBOs as Khuzdar toll rises". Dawn. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
  14. ^ "Khuzdar school bus attack death toll rises to 10". The Express Tribune. 25 May 2025. Retrieved 26 May 2025.
  15. ^ Shah, Syed Ali (21 May 2025). "Three children among five martyred in Khuzdar school bus attack: ISPR". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 22 May 2025.
  16. ^ Ellis-Petersen, Hannah (21 May 2025). "Pakistan blames India for suspected suicide attack on school bus". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  17. ^ Ahmed, Munir; Sattar, Abdul (21 May 2025). "A suicide car bomber strikes a school bus in southwestern Pakistan, killing 5 people". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  18. ^ Bhaumik, Anirban (21 May 2025). "India Rejects Pakistan's Claim on Khuzdar School Bus Blast in Balochistan". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 22 May 2025.
  19. ^ 'Isa, Muhammad (21 May 2025). "خضدار بس حملے میں چھ اموات؛ وزیر اعظم، فیلڈ مارشل کی زخمیوں کی عیادت" [Six killed in Khuzdar bus attack; Prime Minister and Field Marshal pay visit to the wounded]. Independent Urdu (in Urdu). Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  20. ^ "Govt vows decisive action against Fitna al-Hindustan after Khuzdar attack". Geo News. 23 May 2025. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
  21. ^ "Khuzdar attack driven by Indian provocation, had nothing to do with Baloch identity: DG ISPR". Dawn. 23 May 2025. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
  22. ^ Khan, Falak Mahmood (23 May 2025). "Pakistan says initial probe confirms Indian involvement in school bus attack in Balochistan". Arab News. Retrieved 23 May 2025.
  23. ^ "Death toll from Pakistan school bus bombing rises to 8 as Islamabad blames India". AP News. 23 May 2025. Retrieved 23 May 2025.
  24. ^ "'Attempt to hoodwink the world doomed to fail': India rejects Pakistan's claim on Balochistan bus attack". The Times of India. 23 May 2025. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 23 May 2025.
  25. ^ "Khuzdar attack driven by Indian provocation, had nothing to do with Baloch identity: DG ISPR". Dawn. 23 May 2025.
  26. ^ Moshiri, Azadeh (25 May 2025). "School bus attack caught in tensions between Pakistan and India". BBC. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
  27. ^ "Mujahid condemns Balochistan school bus attack, rejects Pakistan's version". Al Emara English. 21 May 2025. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  28. ^ a b c "'Brutal, unconscionable, evil': Condemnations pour in over Khuzdar blast targeting students". Dawn. 21 May 2025. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  29. ^ "خضدار اسکول بس حملہ؛ کینیڈین ہائی کمیشن کی شدید مذمت" [Canadian High Commission Strongly Condemns School Bus Attack in Khuzdar]. City 42 (in Urdu). 22 May 2025. Retrieved 22 May 2025.
  30. ^ a b "Russian Embassy, Canadian High Commission condemn Khuzdar terror attack". 24 Digital. 22 May 2025. Retrieved 22 May 2025.
  31. ^ "China condemns terrorist attack in Balochistan". Dunya News. 22 May 2025. Retrieved 22 May 2025.
  32. ^ "Chinese ambassador strongly condemns suicide attack on school bus in Khuzdar". Daily Times. 21 May 2025. Retrieved 22 May 2025.
  33. ^ "خضدار میں اسکول بس پر حملے کی ایک اور زخمی طالبہ شہید ہوگئی، واقعے کا مقدمہ درج" [Another injured student from the Khuzdar school bus attack was killed; a case has been registered regarding the incident.]. Dawn News (in Urdu). 22 May 2025. Retrieved 22 May 2025.
  34. ^ "برطانیہ اور جرمنی کی خضدار میں بچوں کی بس پر حملے کی مذمت" [UK and Germany Condemn Khuzdar School Bus Attack Targeting Children]. ARY News (in Urdu). 22 May 2025. Retrieved 22 May 2025.
  35. ^ Tauqeer, Atif (21 May 2021). "بلوچستان دہشت گردانہ حملے کا الزام بے بنیاد ہے، بھارت" [The allegation of a terrorist attack in Balochistan is baseless, says India]. Deutsche Welle (in Urdu). Retrieved 22 May 2025.
  36. ^ "'Attempt to hoodwink the world doomed to fail'.India rejects Pakistan's Claim On Balochistan Bus Attack". The Times of India. 21 May 2025. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  37. ^ "Bid To "Hoodwink The World": India Junks Pak's Charges On Suicide Bombing". NDTV. 21 May 2025. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  38. ^ "Polish Ambassador Condemns Khuzdar School Bus Attack, Hails Pak-India Ceasefire". The Diplomatic Insight. 23 May 2025. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
  39. ^ Tekin, Esra (22 May 2025). "Türkiye condemns 'heinous' terrorist attack in Pakistan". Anadolu Agency. Retrieved 22 May 2025.
  40. ^ "برطانیہ نے خضدار میں بچوں کی بس پر بزدلانہ حملے کی مذمت کردی" [The United Kingdom condemned the cowardly terrorist attack on a school bus carrying children in Khuzdar.]. Express News (in Urdu). 21 May 2025. Retrieved 22 May 2025.
  41. ^ "سانحۂ خضدار معصوم بچوں کے قتل پر امریکی ناظم الامور کا بیان بھی آ گیا" [Khuzdar tragedy: U.S. Chargé d'Affaires issues statement on killing of innocent children]. Daily Pakistan (in Urdu). 21 May 2025. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  42. ^ "UNICEF condemns attack". Business Recorder. 22 May 2025. Retrieved 22 May 2025.
  43. ^ "UNSC condemns terrorist attack on school bus in Khuzdar". Radio Pakistan. 23 May 2025. Retrieved 23 May 2025.
  44. ^ Syed, Azaz (23 May 2025). "اقوام متحدہ کی سلامتی کونسل نے خضدار حملے کو بزدلانہ اور قابلِ نفرت فعل قرار دیدیا" [The United Nations Security Council has condemned the Khuzdar attack as a cowardly and despicable act]. Daily Jang (in Urdu). Retrieved 23 May 2025.

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