Death toll in Pak suicide blast rises further

The death toll in Friday’s suicide blast in Pakistan’s restive Baluchistan province rose to 52 with some more people succumbing to their injuries in the hospital.

The blast had occurred on Friday near a mosque in Baluchistan province where people had gathered to celebrate the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad. Police suspect that this was a suicide attack to target a religious gathering in Mastung city.

District Health Officer Mastung Rasheed Muhammad Saeed confirmed that at least 52 people were killed, and dozens injured in the blast near Madina Mosque on Al Falah Road in Mastung district.

Police say that the injured have been admitted to two hospitals. Two police officers from Mastung Shah confirmed the death toll to BBC News.

In many videos available on social media, it is seen that rescue workers and local people are trying to save the injured. No group has yet taken responsibility for this attack.

People had to gather from Madina Mosque and join the procession. Atta al-Munaim had initially said that at least six people had been killed in this blast.

Baluchistan's acting Chief Minister Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki has condemned the blast in the procession in Mastung and ordered an investigation into the incident. The statement issued by him said that "Disruptive elements do not deserve any concession and those targeting peaceful processions will be dealt with strictly."

On the other hand, Acting Information Minister John Achakzai has announced three days of mourning in the entire province.

Acting Information Minister of Baluchistan Government, John Achakzai has said that emergency has been imposed in the hospitals of Quetta after the Mastung blast.

He said that on the instructions of the Baluchistan government, a rescue team has been sent to Mastung and the seriously injured are being sent to Quetta.

Acting Chief Minister of Baluchistan Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki has condemned the blast on the procession in Mastung and ordered an investigation into the incident.

The statement issued by him said that 'disruptive elements do not deserve any concessions and those targeting peaceful processions will be dealt with strictly.'