At least 15 killed, more than 50 injured in bomb blast in Pakistan

At least 15 people were killed and more than 50 others injured in a suicide blast near a mosque in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province on September 29 when people were gathering for a rally to celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, according to media reports.

At least 15 people were killed and more than 50 others injured in a suicide blast near a mosque in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province on September 29 when people were gathering for a rally to celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, according to media reports. The explosion occurred near Madina Mosque in the Mastung district, Geo News reported.

Mastung's Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Nawaz Gashkori, who was on duty for the rally, was among the deceased. The explosion took place when people were gathering to mark Eid Miladun Nabi, the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad.

City Station House Officer (SHO) Mohammad Javed Lehri said the explosion was a “suicide blast” and that the bomber exploded himself next to DSP's car. Mr. Lehri said that the wounded are being shifted to a medical facility while an emergency has been imposed in the hospitals.

At least 15 people, including a police officer, were killed and more than 50 others injured in the blast, Dawn newspaper quoted Mastung Assistant Commissioner Attahul Munim said as saying. Some of the injured were in critical condition.

Balochistan interim Information Minister Jan Achakzai said rescue teams have been dispatched to Mastung. He added the critically injured persons are being transferred to Quetta and that an emergency has been imposed in all the hospitals.

“The enemy wants to destroy religious tolerance and peace in Balochistan with foreign blessings,” Mr. Achakzai said. “The explosion is unbearable.” He further said caretaker Chief Minister Ali Mardan Domki has directed authorities to arrest those responsible for the blast. Meanwhile, interim Interior Minister Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti strongly condemned the blast.