At least 52 people, including a police officer, were killed and around 50 others injured in a suicide blast near a Rabiul Awwal procession in the Mastung district of Balochistan, Pakistan. The incident occurred on Friday and is believed to be a targeted attack. The blast took place near a mosque where people had gathered to mark Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, a public holiday in the country.
According to Dr. Saeed Mirwani, the CEO of Shaheed Nawab Ghous Bakhsh Raisani Memorial Hospital, dozens of injured individuals are currently being treated at the facility. More than 20 critically wounded victims have been referred to Quetta for medical assistance.
Local authorities reported that the suicide bomber detonated himself near the vehicle of the deputy superintendent of police (DSP). TTP, a banned extremist group, denied responsibility for the attack, while the government initiated efforts to counter the threat of terrorism in the area.
Several government officials, including the Prime Minister and President, expressed their deep grief and sorrow over the tragic incident. They vowed to root out terrorism from the country and provide the best possible medical treatment to the injured. Additionally, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan condemned the attack, calling for justice for the victims.
This is not the first time Mastung has witnessed such violence. In July 2018, a suicide blast claimed the lives of 128 people, and numerous other attacks have occurred in the district over the years.
As the situation develops, we will continue to provide timely and accurate updates from credible sources to ensure the public is informed.