Khuzdar, Balochistan — A solemn condolence ceremony was held to honor the memory of the innocent children who lost their lives in the tragic suicide bombing that struck a school bus in Khuzdar on May 21, 2025. The event, marked by deep sorrow and solidarity, brought together grieving families, schoolchildren, government officials, and members of the public to pay tribute to the young martyrs whose lives were cut short by an act of senseless violence.
The suicide attack claimed the lives of at least 11 people, including eight schoolchildren, the bus driver, conductor, and the attacker. More than 50 individuals were injured in the blast, among them 39 children, many of whom are still recovering from the trauma and injuries. The attack has shaken the entire region and prompted widespread condemnation across the country.
Held at a local auditorium in Khuzdar, the condolence ceremony was attended by students from various schools, teachers, local leaders, and high-ranking government representatives. Many of the children participating in the ceremony carried placards and banners bearing messages of remembrance, unity, and peace. Some held photographs of the deceased, their young faces forever imprinted in the memories of the community.
Candles were lit in honor of the martyred children, and special prayers were offered for the souls of the victims. The atmosphere was filled with quiet grief, but also a resilient spirit that rejected fear and hatred. Students recited poems and read out letters addressed to the martyred children, expressing their love, sorrow, and determination to keep their memories alive.
Prominent political and administrative figures also participated in the ceremony. Balochistan’s Provincial Minister Noor Muhammad Domar, Advisor for Sports and Culture Meena Majid Baloch, Quetta Commissioner Muhammad Hamza Shafqat, Deputy Commissioner Mehrullah Badini, and DG PDMA Jahanzeb were among those who addressed the gathering. Each speaker extended their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and assured them of the government’s unwavering support.
“This tragic incident is one of the darkest days in the history of Balochistan,” said Minister Noor Muhammad Domar. “The blood of our children will not go in vain. The state will bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice and ensure such tragedies are never repeated.”
Security forces and the police also paid their respects with a ceremonial salute to the martyrs. A moment of silence was observed as the national anthem played, underscoring the collective grief of the nation.
In his speech, Commissioner Hamza Shafqat emphasized that the people of Balochistan, and indeed the whole of Pakistan, stand united in the face of terrorism. “The enemies of peace seek to weaken us by targeting our future — our children. But they fail to realize that such cowardly attacks only strengthen our resolve,” he stated.
The event was not just a memorial; it was a message — a declaration that these innocent lives will never be forgotten, and that the mission of peace and education will continue stronger than ever. Teachers at the ceremony pledged to continue educating with renewed purpose, honoring the memories of the children through knowledge and growth.
Prime Minister of Pakistan also issued a strong condemnation of the attack, labeling it an inhuman act and vowing swift and decisive action against those responsible. He acknowledged the possibility of foreign involvement, indicating that an investigation is underway to uncover all those behind the planning and execution of the attack.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the community has shown immense strength. Local organizations have stepped in to provide psychological support to the surviving children and bereaved families. Donations and relief efforts are ongoing, with civil society playing a critical role in rehabilitation.
The Khuzdar incident has become a painful chapter in the national consciousness. It is a stark reminder of the challenges Pakistan faces in its battle against extremism and violence. Yet, amid the sorrow, there is also a flicker of hope — seen in the eyes of students who, despite the trauma, continue to attend school, in the teachers who show up every day with courage, and in the citizens who refuse to let hatred win.
As Pakistan mourns its children, the message from Khuzdar is clear: The nation stands united in grief, in resistance, and in a promise — that the dreams of the martyred children will live on in the pursuit of a peaceful and educated future.
Reference: خضدار واقعے میں شہید ہونے والے معصوم بچوں کی یاد میں تعزیتی تقریب
