In a devastating turn of events, Pakistan bore witness to two deadly suicide blasts on Friday, claiming the lives of 55 innocent people and leaving dozens injured. The first explosion rocked a mosque in Balochistan’s Mastung district, while a second blast occurred hours later in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Hangu city. The attacks unfolded as worshippers had gathered to mark the joyous occasion of Eid Miladun Nabi, the celebration of Prophet Muhammad’s birth.
The powerful suicide blast in Balochistan, near Madina Mosque on Al Falah Road, resulted in the tragic loss of at least 52 lives and left over 50 individuals wounded. Among the deceased was Deputy Superintendent of Police Nawaz Gashkori, who was on duty for the occasion. The explosion was a suicide attack, with the bomber detonating himself next to the DSP’s vehicle, as confirmed by City Station House Officer Mohammad Javed Lehri.
While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, it occurred just a day after the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) eliminated a key Islamic State (ISIS) commander in Mastung. District Health Officer Rashid Muhammad Saeed expressed concern over the possibility of a rising casualty count, with some of the injured in critical condition.
Balochistan’s interim Information Minister, Jan Achakzai, emphasized that the enemy sought to undermine religious tolerance and peace in the region. Caretaker Chief Minister Ali Mardan Domki vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, asserting that those who targeted peaceful gatherings would be dealt with firmly. He urged unity against terrorism, reaffirming that Islam espouses peace and condemning the assailants as unrepresentative of true Muslims. The caretaker CM also declared three days of mourning throughout the province.
Interim Interior Minister Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti condemned the attack and stressed that terrorists had no faith or religion. He assured that all resources were deployed for the rescue operation and that the injured would receive the best possible treatment.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif decried the act as detestable, especially during a sacred occasion marking the birth of the Holy Prophet. He extended condolences to the affected families.
Meanwhile, heightened security measures were put in place across Pakistan. The Punjab police ensured security during Friday prayers, while Karachi police remained on high alert, directing vigilance during Eid-i-Miladun Nabi processions and Friday prayers.
Mastung has been a recurring target of terror attacks over the years, with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, associated with al-Qaeda, blamed for various deadly incidents, including the 2018 attack that claimed 128 lives. The region’s resilience in the face of adversity remains a testament to Pakistan’s determination to counteract terrorism.
Summary:
- Twin suicide blasts in Pakistan claim 55 lives and leave dozens injured during Eid Miladun Nabi celebrations.
- A powerful explosion in Balochistan’s Mastung district kills at least 52 people, including Deputy Superintendent of Police Nawaz Gashkori.
- Second blast in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Hangu city kills three and injures five.
- No group claims responsibility, but the attack follows the elimination of an ISIS commander by the Counter Terrorism Department.
- Pakistan’s interim leaders vow to bring the perpetrators to justice and condemn the attack’s impact on religious tolerance.
- Security measures are heightened across the country in response to the bombings.
- Mastung has a history of terror attacks, with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan and al-Qaeda-linked groups responsible for previous incidents.
