More than 56 people were killed in two separate incidents in Pakistan on the eve of Eid Milad Nabi peace be upon him.
In the first incident at least 52 people, including a police officer, were killed while around 50 were injured in what officials believe was a suicide blast near a Rabiul Awwal procession in Balochistan’s Mastung district on Friday.
District Health Officer (DHO) Abdul Rasheed Shahi confirmed the casualties to Dawn.com while City Station House Officer (SHO) Mohammad Javed Lehri said a police official was among the dead.
Dr Saeed Mirwani, chief executive of Shaheed Nawab Ghous Bakhsh Raisani Memorial Hospital, said dozens were being treated at the facility while more than 20 injured people have been referred to Quetta for medical assistance.
“The process of moving bodies and injured persons is underway,” the hospital CEO said, adding that 22 were shifted to the Mastung district hospital.
In the second incident at least four worshippers were martyred while several others sustained injuries after an explosion rocked a mosque during Friday prayers, Samaa TV reported.
Officials have so far confirmed at least four deaths following the explosion that targeted the mosque.
The explosion occurred during the Friday prayer sermon inside a mosque, which collapsed completely.
Following the blast, security forces reached the site and cordoned off the area.
According to the Station House Officer (SHO) of Hangu, the mosque was bustling with around 30 to 40 worshipers at the time of the incident.