A suicide bombing targeting a train in Quetta on 24 May 2026 has killed more than 30 people and left over 100 others wounded in one of the deadliest attacks on Pakistan's railway network in years.
The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) condemns this atrocity in the strongest possible terms and stands in full solidarity with our affiliated union, the Railway Workers Union (Open Line), and the wider railway community in Pakistan.
The attack, which took place near Chaman Gate in Quetta, targeted a train carrying passengers travelling ahead of the Eid holiday. According to media reports, the blast derailed train carriages and killed and injured civilians, including women and children. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the attack.
In a statement, Railway Workers Union (Open Line) leaders strongly condemned the bombing, describing it as “a heinous act against humanity and peace” and mourning the loss of innocent lives. The union also called for an immediate and transparent investigation and stronger security measures to protect railway workers and passengers. The ITF echoes that call without reservation.
"We stand in solidarity with our brothers, sisters and siblings in the Railway Workers Union (Open Line) and the wider community in Pakistan following this horrific attack,” said Scott McDine, ITF Asia Pacific Regional Secretary. “More than 40 lives have been lost and over 100 people injured – passengers and families who were simply travelling home to celebrate Eid.
We condemn this act of mass violence and mourn every one of those killed."
Julio Sosa, ITF Railways Chair, added: "Our thoughts are with the bereaved families, the injured, railway workers and the emergency service workers who responded to this tragedy under the most harrowing of circumstances. No worker should face violence for doing their job. No passenger should risk their life for simply boarding a train.
“We will continue to stand with railway workers in Pakistan, who show extraordinary courage in keeping their country moving, and we call on the Pakistani government to take immediate and concrete actions to ensure railway workers’ and passengers’ safety and security."
Photo credit: Pakistan Press International via Reuters Connect
