Huge blast near Eid Milad procession kills 52, injures over 100 in Mastung

At least 52 people were killed including a police officer and more than 100 others were injured following a huge blastnear a mosque where people were gathering for a Milad-un-Nabi procession in Mastung, Balochistan, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Friday.

The District Health Officer confirmed the death toll while SHO Mohammad Javed Lehri said that Mastung deputy superintendent of police (DSP) was among the dead.

According to the Mastung assistant commissioner, the blast took place near Madinah Masjid.

On information, security forces and rescue teams reached the spot and shifted the injured to Nawab Ghous Bakhsh Hospital and Quetta Civil Hospital.

The Balochistan government has declared an emergency in the Quetta Hospital, summoning doctors and other paramedical staff.

The condition of some of the injured is critical, the hospital sources said.

According to local authorities, a state of emergency has been declared at the hospitals of Mustang and also at the Civil Hospital Quetta.

The security forces have cordoned off the area.

Mastung AC Attahul Munim confirmed that the blast took place by the car of DSP Gishkori who was to remain on the sidelines of the procession.

City Station House Officer (SHO) Mohammad Javed Lehri said the explosion was a “suicide blast” and that the bomber exploded himself next to DSP Gishkori’s car.

On the other hand, investigations to ascertain the nature of the explosion were underway.

In a tweet on X (formerly Twitter), Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti wrote: “Interior Minister Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti strongly condemned the blast near Madina Masjid in Mastung, expressed deep sorrow and regret over the loss of precious lives in the blast, the attack on innocent people who came to participate in the Eid Milad-ul-Nabi procession is a very heinous act, terror. Terrorists have no religion or religion.

“All resources will be used in rescue operations and relief operations, no effort will be spared in treating the injured, terrorist elements do not deserve any concession, zero tolerance policy is being followed to deal with terrorists.”

https://twitter.com/MOIofficialGoP/status/1707652299517292601

 

Reporter Isa Tareen