No group has claimed responsibility for the bombing, but authorities suspect ethnic Baloch and Taliban militants, who frequently target security forces and civilians.

Balochistan has experienced a low-level insurgency for over two decades, with recent months seeing an increase in attacks by separatist groups, including the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).

The BLA, which demands independence from the Pakistani government, has previously targeted security forces and foreign nationals, raising security concerns for workers in the region.

On November 1, 2024, an explosion in Mastung, Balochistan, Pakistan, killed at least seven people, including five schoolchildren and a policeman, during a polio vaccination drive.

The attack specifically targeted a vehicle carrying police officers, also impacting a motorized rickshaw transporting schoolchildren, resulting in a total of 29 injuries.

Emergency responders and local residents rushed to the scene to assist the injured, with footage showing extensive wreckage, including a charred police van.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Balochistan's Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti condemned the attack, emphasizing their commitment to combat insurgents in the region.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges Pakistan faces in its fight against a resurgence of the poliovirus, as vaccination programs are often met with violence.

The resurgence of militant violence in Pakistan has been particularly noted since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in 2021, complicating security efforts in the border provinces.

Acting President Yousuf Raza Gillani condemned the violence, expressing national solidarity against terrorism and the need for a unified response.

Authorities are calling for increased security measures to protect vaccination teams and ensure the safety of children during these campaigns, as the violence poses significant public health challenges.

The explosion's sound was audible in nearby areas, indicating its significant impact, and investigations are underway to determine the intended target of the attack.