Blast in Pakistan: A suicide bombing that took place near a mosque in the Mustang district of Balochistan where people had gathered to celebrate Eid Milauddin Nabi, the birthplace of Prophet Mohammad, killed more than 50 people and several injured.
The explosion happened when a celebratory procession was taking place around the mosque. As per the local cops, Mustang’s Deputy Superintendent of Police Nawaz Gashkori was also the one among the deceased. The suicide bomber was suspected to be detonated near the on-duty police official’s car.
Hours later, another blast at a mosque in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Hangu city killed at least three people and injured five others. The second blast took place while 30-40 people were offering Jumma prayers in the mosque. After the rescue operations were completed, three people were found dead and five injured.
The wounded are being sent to the local hospitals while Balochistan has declared a state of emergency and as of the time, no organization has taken responsibility for the blasts.
Balochistan interim Information Minister Jan Achakzai said, rescue teams have been sent off to the location. “The enemy wants to destroy religious tolerance and peace in Balochistan with foreign blessings,” Achakzai said. “The explosion is unbearable,” he said, appealing urgently for blood donors to help treat the wounded.
The bombings took place a day after the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) killed a key Islamic State (ISIS) commander in the Mastung district. The officials announced a three-day mourning after the tragic incident.
Balochistan is located in the westernmost province of Pakistan. It is bordered by Iran in the east and Afghanistan in the Northwest. It’s capital city is Quetta which is the largest city as well. It has a population of about 12.34 million.
