Deadly Blasts Rock Pakistan: Over 50 Killed in Balochistan Mosque Explosion
Karachi: A devastating suicide blast struck a mosque in Pakistan’s troubled Balochistan province, claiming the lives of at least 52 people and injuring over 50 others who had gathered to celebrate Prophet Muhammad’s birthday. This tragedy unfolded hours after another blast hit a mosque in Hangu city, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, resulting in at least three deaths and five injuries.
The explosion in Balochistan occurred near Madina Mosque on Al Falah Road in the Mastung district, with no group immediately claiming responsibility for the attack. Tragically, among the deceased was Mastung’s Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Nawaz Gashkori, who was on duty for the occasion.
The blast occurred as people were assembling to commemorate Eid Miladun Nabi, which marks the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad. City Station House Officer Mohammad Javed Lehri confirmed that it was a “suicide blast,” with the bomber detonating himself next to the DSP’s car.
This incident followed the Counter Terrorism Department’s (CTD) killing of a key Islamic State (ISIS) commander in the Mastung district a day earlier.
Balochistan interim Information Minister Jan Achakzai stated that rescue teams were dispatched to Mastung, and critically injured individuals were being transferred to Quetta. Emergency measures were instituted in hospitals, with concerns that the casualty count could rise.
Caretaker Chief Minister Ali Mardan Domki directed authorities to apprehend those responsible, asserting that “those who target peaceful processions will be dealt with firmly.” He urged unity against terrorism, emphasizing Islam as a religion of peace.
Interim Interior Minister Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti condemned the blast and emphasized that “terrorists have no faith or religion.” He affirmed that all resources were dedicated to the rescue operation, underscoring the unwavering commitment to treat the injured and denying concessions to terrorists.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif decried the despicable act, especially during an event commemorating the Holy Prophet’s birth, extending condolences to affected families.
The Punjab and Karachi police heightened security measures for Friday prayers and Eid-i-Miladun Nabi processions, while this tragedy marked the second major blast in Mastung within 15 days.
Mastung has witnessed a series of terror attacks in recent years, with one of the deadliest occurring in July 2018, claiming at least 128 lives. The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, an umbrella group of terrorist organizations, and al-Qaeda-affiliated groups have been implicated in numerous attacks across Pakistan, targeting military installations, hotels, and mosques.
This tragic event in Balochistan underscores the ongoing threat of terrorism in the region, as authorities continue efforts to combat extremist activities.
