US embassy condemns bomb blasts in Pakistan

The US embassy in Islamabad has condemned the recent blasts in Mastung and Hangu districts of Pakistan.

In a tweet, the US embassy said: “The Pakistani people deserve to gather and celebrate their faith without the fear of terror attacks like the ones today in Balochistan and KP. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. We will continue to stand with Pakistan in the face of these vicious attacks.”

“The Pakistani people deserve to gather and celebrate their faith without the fear of terror attacks like the ones today in Balochistan and KP. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. We will continue to stand with Pakistan in the face of these vicious attacks.” -DB

— U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) September 29, 2023

A devastating suicide blast near a procession marking 12 Rabiul Awwal in Mastung district, Balochistan, resulted in 52 fatalities and over 50 injuries, while twin blasts near a mosque in Hangu district claimed five lives and injured more than 10 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.

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.

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

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.