Devastating Explosion Shakes Religious Parade in Unstable Southwest Pakistan
Tragic suicide attack strikes religious procession in Pakistan's Balochistan province, claiming 30 lives and leaving numerous injured
30 people died and many more were injured in a suicide bombing during a religious procession in Pakistan's troubled Balochistan province on Friday. The attack took place in the Mastung district, where locals had gathered to commemorate the Prophet Muhammad's birthday, according to the province's information minister, Jan Achakzai.
Balochistan, the largest province in Pakistan in terms of area, has experienced a long-lasting rebellion led by separatists seeking independence from the country. They argue that the state has monopolized and exploited the mineral resources of the region.
CNN has received confirmation from Atta Ul Munim, Assistant Commissioner of Mastung, that the explosion was indeed a suicide attack and that 40 individuals were injured. No individual or group has claimed responsibility for the explosion.
The attack targeted a senior police officer who died in the explosion. The gravely wounded individuals have been relocated to hospitals in Quetta, the capital of the province, while others are receiving treatment at a local hospital in Mastung.
Achakzai informed that the victims' bodies have been transferred to a hospital, expressing his expectation of a further increase in the casualty count. Pakistan's caretaker prime minister, Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, issued a strong condemnation of the explosion.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister's office, the Prime Minister conveyed his condolences to the families of the blast victims. The statement also mentioned that the Prime Minister offered prayers for forgiveness for the deceased and patience for their families. In response to the incident, the inspector general has issued instructions for the police in Karachi, Pakistan's largest city located approximately 600 kilometers (370 miles) away from Mastung, to increase security measures and remain on high alert.
There have been a series of attacks in Balochistan recently. In the past month, the Pakistani military successfully prevented an attack on Chinese engineers in the region, resulting in the deaths of two militants but leaving the Chinese workers unharmed, as per the police.
In March this year, at least nine police officers were killed and 11 others injured in a suspected suicide blast.
This is a developing story. More to come.
