A devastating explosion rocked the town of Mastung in Balochistan during the main procession of Eid Milad-ul-Nabi, leaving at least 45 people dead and over 70 others severely injured on Friday.
The explosion occurred near the Madina mosque, shattering the festivities and sending shockwaves through the community. Among the casualties was Deputy Superintendent of Police Nawaz Gashkori, who was one of the victims of this horrific incident.
The exact nature of the blast is still under investigation as authorities scramble to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy. The area surrounding the blast site has been cordoned off, and an emergency has been declared in all hospitals to provide immediate medical assistance to the injured.
Caretaker Information Minister Jan Achakzai took to social media, specifically X (formerly known as Twitter), to share updates on the situation. He reported, “All LEAs, PDMA force, and ambulances are on the scene. Injured victims have reached 40,” highlighting the dire need for medical attention. Achakzai also issued urgent appeals for blood donations and requested prayers for the victims.
In a show of determination to bring the perpetrators to justice, Achakzai instructed Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) to apprehend the mastermind and their associates. The Government of Balochistan (GOB) has pledged full support for the injured.
Caretaker Chief Minister Sindh, Justice (Retd) Maqbool Baqir, condemned the incident in the strongest terms, labeling those responsible as “enemies of humanity.” He emphasized that such reprehensible acts aim to sow chaos and instability in Pakistan, and they must be condemned with the utmost severity.
Three Days of Mourning Declared in Balochistan
In response to this tragic incident, Provincial caretaker Chief Minister Ali Mardan Khan Domki has declared a three-day period of mourning throughout the province. During this period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast on government buildings as a mark of respect for the victims.
President and Prime Minister Denounce the Blast
President Dr. Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar expressed profound grief and sorrow over the loss of lives in the explosion. They extended their condolences to the grieving families and directed authorities to provide the best possible medical treatment to the injured.
Prime Minister Kakar affirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicate terrorism from the country, vowing to take decisive action against those responsible for this heinous act.
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki strongly condemned the blast and called for better healthcare facilities for the injured.
Outpouring of Condemnation from Political Leaders
Numerous political leaders joined in condemning the terrorist attack in Mastung. Former Sindh governor Imran Ismail, Interim Chief Minister of Punjab Mohsin Naqvi, and PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif expressed their grief over the loss of innocent lives and decried the incident.
Shehbaz Sharif also expressed concern about the increasing frequency of such attacks in Mastung and urged the government to ensure the injured victims receive the highest quality of medical care.
A History of Tragedy in Mastung
This unfortunate incident marks the second significant explosion in Mastung in just 15 days. On September 14, another explosion injured Hafiz Hamdullah, a leader of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F), and several others.
Mastung has been a consistent target of terrorist attacks for several years. One of the deadliest attacks in the district’s history occurred in July 2018, claiming the lives of at least 128 individuals, including provincial assembly candidate Mir Siraj Khan Raisan. The 2018 suicide blast also left a staggering 200 people wounded, leaving scars that continue to haunt this resilient community.
Read more: JUI-F Leader Hafiz Hamdullah Injured in Mastung Blast
As Mastung grapples with yet another tragedy, the nation mourns the loss of innocent lives and stands united against those who seek to spread terror and chaos. The investigation into this latest attack is ongoing, and authorities are determined to bring the culprits to justice and ensure the safety and security of the people of Mastung.
