At least 10 individuals lost their lives and several others were injured when a powerful car bomb exploded outside the paramilitary headquarters in Quetta on Tuesday, local media publication Dawn reported.

The blast was reportedly so strong that it could be heard from miles away, prompting ambulances to rush to the scene and transport the wounded to nearby hospitals.

“The explosion took place when a bomb-laden vehicle made a turn from Model Town towards Hali Road, close to the Frontier Constabulary (FC) headquarters,” said Muhammad Baloch, SSP special operations Quetta.

Provincial health minister Bakhat Kakar warned that the death toll could rise as more information from the blast site becomes available. Balochistan has long been a hotspot for violence, largely driven by militant groups such as the banned Baloch Liberation Army, which have continued to push for independence through attacks on security forces and civilians.

The latest attack comes amid heightened tensions in the region. On September 3, a suicide bombing targeted a political rally in Quetta, killing 11 people and leaving over 40 injured. The blast occurred in a stadium car park where hundreds of supporters of the Balochistan National Party (BNP) had gathered for a political event.

Pakistani security forces have been engaged in a decade-long fight against the insurgency in Balochistan, which claimed 782 lives in 2024 alone. In March, the Baloch Liberation Army carried out a daring train hijacking, killing off-duty soldiers. Since the start of this year, more than 430 individuals, mostly security personnel, have been killed in various attacks, including six soldiers in Bannu.

Officials say the ongoing unrest continues to pose a serious challenge to law enforcement in the province, where militant groups frequently target both civilians and security personnel. The recent car bomb highlights the persistent threats facing Quetta and underscores the broader security challenges in Balochistan, making the protection of personnel and residents a pressing concern for authorities.