In a devastating turn of events, Pakistan was struck by two suicide blasts within hours of each other, leaving a trail of destruction and death in their wake. The first blast occurred in Balochistan province, where at least 54 people were killed and over 100 others were injured during the celebration of Prophet Muhammad’s birthday. Hours later, a second blast rocked Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Hangu city, claiming the lives of four individuals and injuring a dozen more.
The Balochistan Blast
The initial explosion took place near the Madina Mosque on Al Falah Road in Mastung, Balochistan. People had gathered in large numbers to mark Eid Miladun Nabi, a significant religious occasion. Tragically, the celebration turned into a scene of chaos and devastation.
Authorities confirmed that the blast was a suicide attack, with the bomber detonating himself near the Deputy Superintendent of Police’s car. The brave officer appeared to have spotted the attacker and attempted to intervene but lost his life in the process. Several other police officers were injured in the explosion.
The wounded were swiftly transported to medical facilities in Mastung and Quetta, where an emergency situation was declared due to the influx of casualties. Around 20 critically injured individuals were transferred to Quetta for specialized treatment. Medical staff struggled to cope with the chaotic scenes at hospitals, as grieving relatives and friends made it challenging for doctors and nurses to carry out their duties.
Balochistan Inspector General (IG) Abdul Khalique Sheikh disclosed that there were 54 confirmed casualties at that point, with the number of injured reaching dozens. The suspicion surrounding the attack focused on the ISIS terror group, as the region has seen their activity in the past.
Balochistan, which borders Afghanistan and Iran, has been a hotspot for terror attacks by various militant organizations, including the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The province has frequently borne the brunt of sectarian violence, with radical Sunni groups targeting Shia Muslim communities.
The Hangu City Blast
Following closely on the heels of the Balochistan attack, a second blast occurred in Hangu city, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. This suicide attack took place during Juma prayers near the Doaba police station, killing four people and injuring around a dozen others.
According to the police, five terrorists attempted to enter the Doaba police station but were engaged by law enforcement forces, resulting in one terrorist being killed. The remaining attackers, however, managed to approach a nearby mosque. One of them detonated himself near the mosque, causing the building’s roof to collapse.
While the immediate aftermath of these attacks remains heartbreaking, authorities have already launched investigations into both incidents. The impact of these events will likely ripple through Pakistan, reinforcing the need for continued vigilance against terrorist threats and a concerted effort to maintain peace and security in the region.
Pakistan’s interim government has strongly condemned these attacks, emphasizing the importance of unity and resilience in the face of terrorism. The nation remains on high alert as it grapples with the aftermath of these tragic events.
Sources By Agencies
