A powerful explosion sent shockwaves through Balochistan’s Mastung district on Friday, resulting in a devastating loss of life and leaving over 50 people injured. This marks the second major explosion to strike the district in just two weeks.
The blast occurred near the Madina mosque, where a gathering was taking place to commemorate Eid Miladun Nabi. The Assistant Commissioner of Mastung, Atta Ul Munim, described the explosion as “massive” in nature, heightening concerns about the rising death toll.
According to the district’s Station House Officer (SHO) Javed Lahri, numerous injured individuals are being rushed to hospitals, with an emergency declared across all medical facilities in the area. Tragically, Mastung Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Nawaz Gashkori is among the casualties, and some of the injured remain in critical condition.
Provincial Caretaker Information Minister Jan Achakzai issued an urgent appeal for citizens to donate blood to assist the victims. Achakzai also stated that if necessary, arrangements will be made for the transfer of critically injured individuals to Karachi, with the provincial government covering all medical expenses.
The Balochistan Inspector General of Police, Abdul Khalique Shaikh, praised DSP Mastung’s bravery for sacrificing his life to prevent further harm, vowing to take action against those responsible for the blast and their supporters.
This is the second major explosion in Mastung in the past 15 days, with the previous attack injuring prominent political figure Hafiz Hamdullah and several others. The area has suffered from a history of terror attacks, including a deadly suicide blast in July 2018 that claimed the lives of over 100 people.
In response to the tragedy, Provincial Caretaker Chief Minister Ali Mardan Khan Domki announced a three-day mourning period across the province, and the national flag will fly at half-mast on government buildings. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq expressed his condolences and directed authorities to provide medical aid to the injured.
Balochistan interim Interior Minister Zubair Jamali has strongly condemned the blast and demanded a thorough report of the incident. President Dr. Arif Alvi also expressed his condemnation of the deadly explosion.
Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi emphasized the nation’s unity against terrorism and declared that the government is determined to eliminate terrorism with the cooperation of security forces and the public.
Interim Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti reaffirmed the state’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorists in a statement, denouncing the blast as a cowardly act of violence.
The Mastung explosion serves as a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges faced by the Balochistan region and the determination of authorities to combat terrorism in all its forms.
