Two cameramen of Aaj News television channel and Dawn News television channel killed and two other media workers were injured in a bomb explosion at Civil Hospital in Quetta the capital city of aluchistan
province.

The blast occurred near the emergency department of the hospital in the early hours of August 8 when lawyers and mourners were there to protest and morn the death of Advocate Bilal Anwar Kasi, president of Baluchistan Bar Association who was killed in a shooting incident earlier in the morning. Over 70 persons, mainly lawyers, are confirmed dead and over 100 are injured in the blast.

Journalists from various media outlets had gathered at the hospital for the news coverage of lawyers and mourners.

Shahzad Khan, cameraman of Aaj News television channel died at the spot of explosion while Mehmood Khan of Dawn News television channel were critically injured in the blast and later succumbed to his
injuries.

Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA) a splinter group of Tehrik Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack.

Soon after the explosion, a heavy contingent of security personnel arrived at the hospital and cordoned off the explosion site. Bomb Disposal Squad officials confirmed the explosion was a suicide bombing. A state of emergency in hospitals across Quetta has been declared.

Zia Shahid, President and Aijazul Haq, Secretary General of Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors strongly condemned the incident and called on the government to ensure the safety of news organizations and media professionals.

Pakistan Press Foundation