MASTUNG, PAKISTAN – A catastrophic suicide bombing near a Mosque in the volatile district of Mastung, located in southwestern Pakistan’s Baluchistan province, claimed the lives of at least 52 people, with dozens more wounded, according to government official Atta Ullah.
The horrifying incident occurred as the crowd gathered for a religious procession commemorating the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, a significant public holiday. Among the casualties, Mohammad Nawaz, a high-ranking police officer, was pronounced dead.
This tragic incident happened just days after the police force had been urged to be on heightened alert due to concerns that these celebrations might become terrorist targets.
The aftermath of the explosion witnessed a rush of medical aid, with the injured being quickly transported to surrounding hospitals. A significant number are said to be in critical condition. Photos from the site show scenes of chaos, as emergency responders try to manage the tragedy.
To date, no extremist group has stepped forward to claim responsibility for the heart-wrenching event. However, it comes amidst a series of attacks claimed by militant factions in the country’s western regions. These acts of terror have cast a dark shadow on the lead up to the national elections, which are scheduled for January of the coming year.
Deputy inspector general of police, Munir Ahmed, detailed the sequence of events, stating, “The bomber detonated himself near the vehicle of the deputy superintendent of police.” The attack drew condemnation from various sections of the government, with Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti branding the incident a “very heinous act.”
The region of Baluchistan, a gas-rich province bordering Afghanistan and Iran, is no stranger to violence and unrest. For over two decades, it has been the stage for a low-level insurgency driven by Baluch nationalists. Initially, the Baluch movement sought a more equitable share of the province’s resources. However, with time, the demands escalated, with calls for full independence.
It is worth noting that just a few months prior, another devastating suicide bombing in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province claimed over 40 lives at a religious political party gathering.
This recent surge in extremist violence underscores the fragility of the security situation in Pakistan and highlights the urgency for comprehensive counter-terrorism measures. As the nation grieves, its commitment to battling terrorism will undoubtedly be put to the test in the coming months.