Pakistan bomb blast: Death toll rises to 26, many others remain critical after attack by suicide bomber — 7 points

At least 26 were killed and dozens injured as a blast rocked southwestern Pakistan on Saturday morning. The attack is believed to have been carried out by a suicide bomber and investigations remain underway.

Reports indicate that the attack took place at Platform No. 1 of the railway station around 8:45 am local time. Official news agency Associated Press of Pakistan also cited railway officials to add that the blast happened near the ticket booth when two trains were scheduled to depart.

Here are the latest updates:

• Officials said 26 people have died so far from the blast at the railway station. Several others remain in a critical condition. According to official estimates there at least 62 people who have been injured in the attack.
• Officials said that the terrorists were targetting army personnel from the infantry school. Quetta Commissioner Hamza Shafqat said 16 soldiers were among the dead and others continue to fight for their lives.

• The Baloch Liberation Army has claimed responsibility for the attack.
• An 'emergency' has been imposed in hospitals there, the government official stated, adding that the "injured were being provided with medical aid."
• Reports indicate that the attack took place at Platform No. 1 of the railway station around 8:45 am local time as the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express train prepared to leave.
• Local media reports suggest the attack was carried out by a suicide bomber who had entered the station with luggage after bypassing the walk-through gates of the station.
• Authorities have no initiated snap-checking in various parts of the city and deployed the Frontier Corps for additional security. Firefighters, rescuers and passengers were also seen working through the abandoned luggage on the platform on Saturday afternoon — guarded by heavily armed members of the security forces.

(With inputs from agencies)