At least 52 people killed and over 130 injured in a “suicide blast” in Pakistan

At least 52 people were killed and over 130 injured in a suicide bombing near a mosque in Pakistan's restive Balochistan region on Friday. As reported by Geo News, the blasts happened near Madina Mosque in Mastung district when people were gathering to mark Eid Miladun Nabi, a demonstration was organized to celebrate Prophet Muhammad's birthday.

Nawaz Gashkori, the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of Mastung, was among those killed during the demonstration. City Station House Officer (SHO) Mohammad Javed Lehri said that the explosion was a "suicide blast" and the bomber blew himself up near the DSP's car. The people gathered to celebrate Eid Miladun Nabi, the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad. The SHO has said that the injured have been moved to hospitals. As per reports some of those who have been injured are in serious condition.

Balochistan's interim Information Minister Jan Achakzai has announced that rescue teams have been dispatched to Mastung. He stated that critically injured individuals are being transferred to Quetta and that an emergency has been imposed in all hospitals. “The enemy wants to destroy religious tolerance and peace in Balochistan with foreign blessings…The explosion is unbearable.” said the interim Information Minister. Caretaker Chief Minister Ali Mardan Domki has instructed authorities to detain those responsible for the explosion. Meanwhile, interim Interior Minister Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti strongly condemned the attack.