Updated: Sept. 29, 2023. 8.44 PM.
In Pakistan, at least 55 people were killed and more than 50 injured in two suicide attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces today. In Balochistan, a powerful suicide blast ripped through a mosque in the Mastung district killing at least 52 people and injuring over 50 others who had gathered to celebrate the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad.
Hours later, another blast at a mosque in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Hangu city killed at least three people. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
This marks the second major explosion in the district within the month of September, deepening concerns over security in the region. Mastung Assistant Commissioner, Atta Ul Munim, disclosed that the explosion occurred near a mosque where a congregation had gathered to commemorate Eid Miladun Nabi, the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Geo TV reported.
Dawn reported District Health Officer (DHO) Abdul Rasheed Shahi as confirming that at least 52 people died in the blast.
The explosion, believed by law enforcement authorities to be a suicide blast, struck in close proximity to the Madina Mosque, just as people were preparing to participate in a religious procession.
Among the casualties is Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Nawaz Gashkori, Geo TV’s report cited the district administration as informing.
Balochistan Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abdul Khalique Shaikh said DSP Mastung died while trying to stop the suicide bomber. He stated that three more police officials were injured in the suicide blast and details about casualties will be released soon, the report stated.
“The bomber detonated himself near the vehicle of the Deputy Superintendent of Police,” Deputy Inspector General of Police Munir Ahmed told news agency Reuters.
Quetta’s district administration informed that over 30 injured persons were transferred to Shaheed Nawab Ghous Bakhsh Raisani Memorial Hospital