Pakistan: Suicide blast near mosque in Balochistan kills 52, over 50 injured

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A suicide blast near a mosque in Pakistan's volatile Balochistan province has resulted in the loss of at least 52 lives, with over 50 individuals sustaining injuries. The explosion occurred in close proximity to the Madina Mosque in the Mastung district while people had gathered to observe Eid Miladun Nabi, the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad, stated media reports.

Mastung's deputy superintendent of Police (DSP) Nawaz Gashkori, who was present at the rally, died as well. City Station House Officer (SHO) Mohammad Javed Lehri confirmed that the explosion was indeed a "suicide blast", with the attacker detonating explosives near the DSP's vehicle.

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The reports stated that the injured were swiftly transported to medical facilities. Several among the wounded were reported to be in critical condition, and Abdul Rasheed, a district health official, warned that the death toll could rise further as many were battling for their lives.

The gravity of the situation prompted authorities to declare a state of emergency in local hospitals, ensuring that all available resources were allocated to treat the injured.

Jan Achakzai, Balochistan's interim information minister, expressed outrage at the attack, asserting that the perpetrators aimed to disrupt religious tolerance and peace in the region with external support. He stated that the enemy wanted to destroy religious tolerance and peace in Balochistan with "foreign blessings". "The enemy wants to destroy religious tolerance and peace in Balochistan," Achakzai said and added, "The explosion is unbearable."

Caretaker Chief Minister Ali Mardan Domki issued directives to law enforcement agencies to swiftly apprehend those responsible for the blast. "The perpetrators of the destruction do not deserve any leniency," he said. "Those who target peaceful processions will be dealt with firmly," he added and urged people to unite against terrorism, saying Islam was a religion of peace and "those who commit such heinous acts cannot be called Muslims".

Interim Interior Minister Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti too condemned the act in the strongest terms. The investigations are ongoing. Thus far, no group has claimed responsibility for this tragic incident. The suicide blast has sent shockwaves through Balochistan, a region that has experienced its share of security challenges over the years, stated media reports.