A tragic blast in Balochistan’s Mastung district on Friday left seven people dead, including five children, drawing condemnation from Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, who denounced the targeting of innocent lives by terrorists.
The explosion, which took place around 8:35 a.m., occurred near the Mastung Civil Hospital, confirmed Kalat Division Commissioner Naeem Bazai. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in statements shared by state broadcaster PTV News, described the incident as happening near a girls’ high school. However, authorities clarified that the location was close to Girls’ High School Chowk, meters away from the hospital.
According to Bazai, initial investigations indicate that an improvised explosive device (IED) attached to a motorcycle was detonated near a police vehicle, claiming the life of a policeman as well. In addition to the fatalities, 17 others sustained injuries, with many transferred to local hospitals. Eleven of the critically injured, including a five-year-old girl and a teenage boy, were later moved to the Quetta Trauma Centre (QTC), where five remain in serious condition.
Emergency responders at Nawab Ghous Bakhsh Raisani Memorial Hospital and Mastung District Headquarters Hospital are treating the wounded, while the government has vowed to bring those responsible to justice.
Key Points:
- Incident: A blast occurred in Balochistan’s Mastung district, killing seven people, including five children.
- Location: The explosion took place near the Mastung Civil Hospital, close to Girls’ High School Chowk.
- Details of Attack: Initial reports suggest an IED attached to a motorcycle was detonated near a police vehicle.
- Casualties: The blast claimed the life of a policeman and injured 17 others, with several critically injured transferred to the Quetta Trauma Centre.
- Official Response: Balochistan’s Chief Minister condemned the attack, which he said targeted innocent children and laborers.
