In a tragic incident, a suicide blast near a Rabiul Awwal procession in Balochistan’s Mastung district has left at least 52 people dead, including a police officer, with approximately 50 individuals sustaining injuries. The explosion occurred as people were gathering for the Eid-i-Miladun Nabi procession near Madina Masjid at Alfalah Road.
District Health Officer (DHO) Abdul Rasheed Shahi confirmed the casualties, and City Station House Officer (SHO) Mohammad Javed Lehri verified the fatality of a police officer.
Dr. Saeed Mirwani, Chief Executive of Shaheed Nawab Ghous Bakhsh Raisani Memorial Hospital, reported that dozens of injured individuals are undergoing treatment at the hospital, with over 20 more transferred to Quetta for medical assistance. The hospital is actively engaged in the process of shifting bodies and wounded persons.
According to Mastung Assistant Commissioner (AC) Atta-ul-Munim, the suicide bomber detonated himself near the vehicle of the deputy superintendent of police (DSP), resulting in this tragic incident. The martyred DSP was identified as Nawaz Gishkori.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a statement regarding four Pakistan Army soldiers who were martyred during an operation in Zhob, situated a few hours away from Mastung. The soldiers thwarted an attempt by Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists to infiltrate from Afghanistan into Pakistan, eliminating three terrorists in the process.
Balochistan Inspector General (IG) Abdul Khalique Sheikh emphasized that DSP Gishkori had sacrificed his life attempting to thwart the suicide bomber’s attack. He also urged strong action against those responsible for the bombing.
Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar condemned the explosion and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating terrorism from the country. President Dr. Arif Alvi expressed deep grief and directed authorities to provide the best possible medical treatment to the injured.
Interim Interior Minister Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti strongly condemned the blast, emphasizing that terrorists have no faith or religion. He reassured that all resources were being utilized in the rescue operation, pledging no concessions to terrorist elements.
Interim Balochistan Chief Minister Ali Mardan Domki condemned the incident, ordering an inquiry into the blast and three days of mourning throughout the province. He urged people to unite against terrorism, emphasizing that such acts had no place in Islam.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also condemned the attack, calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice and stating that hyper-securitization would not resolve security problems in the province.
The PTI and PPP also condemned the incident, with the PPP urging workers to assist in relief operations and blood donations.
These tragic events in Mastung have raised concerns about deteriorating law and order in Balochistan. Security forces continue to combat the enemies of peace and prosperity in the region.
