Staff Report

QUETTA: At least 26 people were killed and six wounded on Tuesday when unknown gunmen attacked a bus carrying pilgrims in Quetta, authorities said.

The death toll, it is feared, could rise as several injured are reportedly in serious condition.

The attack took place near Luck Bypass in Mastung area.

The ill-fated bus was traveling from Quetta to Taftan, which is Pakistan's only legal official border crossing into Iran

The dead and wounded were shifted to state-run hospitals, where emergency has been declared.

DCO Mastung says that at least 25 people have lost their lives in the bus attack.

According to reports, the assailants stopped the bus and shot dead the pilgrims one by one in execution style. The victims belong to Hazara Chagezi Tribe of Quetta.

In separate statements, Governor and Chief Minister of Balochistan strongly condemned the terrorist attack and expressed grief at loss of innocent human lives.

They asked for a report about the attack.

Meanwhile, Majlis Wahdat ul Muslimeen has announced three days of mourning against the terrorist attack.

Speaking to SAMAA, Balochistan Home Secretary Naseebullah Bazai said administration was not informed about the departure of the bus. He said such sensitive movements are not allowed in Quetta.

Attacks on pilgrims are common in Quetta, where dozens of people have fallen prey to such attacks in recent times.

On July 29 this year, at least seven pilgrims were killed in a similar attack on Saryab Road in Quetta. SAMAA