On May 21, 2025, a devastating terrorist attack targeted a school bus in Khuzdar, Balochistan, Pakistan. The bus, transporting students to the Army Public School in Khuzdar Cantonment, was struck near Zero Point on the Quetta-Karachi highway. The assault resulted in the deaths of at least six individuals, including three students, and injured over 40 others, many of whom were children. Several victims remain in critical condition.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) condemned the attack in the strongest terms, labeling it a “heinous and cowardly” act of terrorism. The council expressed deep sympathy for the victims’ families and emphasized the necessity of holding the perpetrators accountable. They urged all states to cooperate with Pakistan in bringing those responsible to justice.
Pakistani authorities have attributed the attack to Indian-backed proxies, specifically naming the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Defense Minister Khawaja Asif asserted that Islamabad would present evidence of India’s involvement. However, India has categorically denied these allegations, describing them as baseless and an attempt by Pakistan to divert attention from its internal issues.
The international community, including countries such as China, Russia, Germany, Turkey, and the United States, as well as organizations like UNICEF, have condemned the attack. They expressed condolences to the victims’ families and called for enhanced efforts to protect children and combat terrorism.
Security forces in Pakistan have vowed to relentlessly pursue those responsible for the attack. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir visited the injured in Quetta, reaffirming the government’s commitment to justice and the safety of its citizens.