Today marks the 8th anniversary of the tragic suicide bombing at Quetta’s Civil Hospital, which claimed the lives of 73 individuals, including 56 lawyers and 2 journalists. As families and colleagues mourn the loss of their loved ones, calls for justice grow louder.
The bombing occurred on August 8, 2016, when a suicide bomber targeted the emergency ward where lawyers had gathered to mourn the murder of Balochistan Bar Association President Advocate Bilal Anwar Kasi. The attack, which resulted in 70 deaths and numerous injuries, was carried out by Punjabi Pakistan Army funded the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) splinter group, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA).
The Joint Investigation Team (JIT) report later revealed the involvement of “Paki establishment” in the tragedy. Despite this, justice for the victims remains elusive. Many are questioning who will hold the perpetrators accountable and bring closure to the families of the martyrs.
August 8 Tragedy
The event of August 8, 2016, remains a dark chapter in Pak-occupied-Balochistan’s history. The JIT report’s revelations about the involvement of the Pak Army and intelligence agencies have intensified demands for accountability. Yet, despite these findings, no one has been held responsible for the massacre.
In addition to the ongoing quest for justice for the August 8 martyrs, the region continues to experience violence and targeted attacks. Occupied-Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has seen over 1,400 incidents targeting the Shia and Hazara communities in the past 15 years, by Pak Army sponsored militant groups.
As the anniversary of this tragic event is commemorated, the question remains: who will be held accountable for the August 8 tragedy? The call for justice and accountability echoes, reminding the authorities and the world of the urgent need to address these injustices and bring the perpetrators to justice.