Pakistan: At least 52 killed in 'suicide blast' in Balochistan
At least 52 individuals were reportedly killed, while more than 50 others suffered injuries in an alleged "suicide blast" on Friday near the Madina Masjid in Balochistan's Mastung district in Pakistan. According to Pakistani news outlet The Dawn, Mastung's Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Nawaz Gashkori, is among those who lost their lives in the deadly blast.
Key details on Balochistan blast
The blast reportedly occurred while people were gathering to celebrate Prophet Muhammad's birth anniversary. As per India Today, Mastung Assistant Commissioner Atta Ul Munim described the blast as "massive." While most injured individuals are being moved to nearby hospitals, some victims are said to be in critical condition. No one has claimed responsibility for the explosion so far.
Top Balochistan official reacts to blast
Meanwhile, Balochistan interim Information Minister Jan Achakzai took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce that rescue teams have been dispatched and critically injured individuals are being transferred to Quetta. An emergency has also been imposed in all hospitals, he added. "The enemy wants to destroy religious tolerance and peace in Balochistan with foreign blessings. The explosion is unbearable," added Achakzai.
Check out Achakzai's tweet here
Zero-tolerance policy being followed to deal with terrorists: Pakistan minister
Interim Interior Minister Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti also condemned Friday's blast and extended his deepest condolences to all the victims. "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," Bugti stated.
Another blast reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
A second blast was also reported in Hangu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, at a mosque, just hours after the suicide blast in Mastung. According to rescue personnel, at least two individuals have died. The roof of the mosque collapsed as a result of the blast. It is estimated that between 30 and 40 people were present when the incident occurred.
Second incident in Mastung this month
It should also be noted that this is the second major blast in the Mastung district this month. On September 14, at least 11 individuals, including Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader Hafiz Hamdullah, were injured in an explosion in the same district. Speaking to the news outlet Geo News, JUI-F Spokesperson Aslam Ghauri confirmed that Hamdullah was injured but not serious.
