High alert issued for Islamabad following two blasts

ISLAMABAD: Following a devastating suicide blast near a procession marking 12 Rabiul Awwal in Mastung district, Balochistan, which resulted in 52 fatalities and over 50 injuries, and twin blasts near a mosque in Hangu district claimed five lives and injured more than 10,  Islamabad police have issued high alert orders and intensified security measures in the capital city.

The heightened security alerts were issued by the Chief Police Officer of Islamabad Capital Territory in response to potential security concerns arising from the tragic incidents in Mastung and Hangu districts.

A police spokesperson said that Islamabad police are fully prepared to respond to any potential emergency situations that may emerge within the city.

“The decision to raise the security alert underscores law enforcement’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the safety and security of the capital,” the spokesperson said.

In conjunction with the increased security measures, the police spokesperson called upon citizens to collaborate with law enforcement and promptly report any suspicious activities they may come across.

The spokesperson stressed the significance of public vigilance and encouraged citizens to immediately inform the authorities of any perceived criminal behavior.

Citizens were specifically advised to work closely with the city police and relay information concerning any suspicious activities involving groups of up to 15 individuals.

The police department remains in close coordination with relevant agencies as the situation unfolds and will take all necessary actions to uphold peace and security in the capital, the spokesperson affirmed.

Early on Friday, tragedy struck Pakistan as two separate blasts claimed lives and inflicted injuries in Balochistan’s Mastung district and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Hangu, leaving a grim toll on Friday.

In Balochistan, at least 52 individuals, including a police officer, met a tragic end, while around 50 others were left injured in what authorities believe was a suicide blast near a procession marking 12 Rabiul Awwal.

District Health Officer (DHO) Abdul Rasheed Shahi officially confirmed the significant casualties, underscoring the gravity of the incident. Additionally, City Station House Officer (SHO) Mohammad Javed Lehri disclosed that a police official was among those who lost their lives.

Mastung: 52 confirmed dead, more than 50 injured in suicide bombing

The injured were promptly transported to medical facilities for treatment, with Dr. Saeed Mirwani, the chief executive of Shaheed Nawab Ghous Bakhsh Raisani Memorial Hospital, reporting that dozens were attended to at their facility. More than 20 injured individuals were subsequently referred to Quetta for further medical assistance.

Meanwhile, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Hangu, a separate tragedy unfolded as at least four individuals, including a police officer, succumbed to the effects of two successive blasts. An additional 12 individuals sustained injuries in this unfortunate incident, according to local law enforcement.

Hangu District Police Officer Nisar Ahmed affirmed the tragic loss of life and the injuries sustained. He detailed the sequence of events, stating that the initial explosion occurred at the entrance of the Doaba police station. Subsequently, a crowd had gathered at the site. Tragically, a second blast occurred within a mosque situated within the premises of the police station.

DPO Ahmed highlighted that the second blast unfolded during the Friday sermon, resulting in the collapse of the mosque’s roof due to the explosive impact. It was reported that nearly 30 to 40 individuals were trapped under the rubble as a result of the blast.

Both incidents serve as stark reminders of the security challenges facing Pakistan and the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard the nation’s citizens.