A bomb blast near a school in Balochistan’s Mastung district killed five people, including three children and a police officer, according to security officials. The explosion occurred as a van carrying schoolchildren and a police vehicle passed through the area. The tragic event has left the community in shock.
Thirteen people sustained injuries, most of them children. They were swiftly transported to nearby hospitals, including DHQ and Ghaus Bakhsh Raisani Hospital, as reported by Express News. In response to the incident, Balochistan’s Health Minister Bakht Mohammad Kakar and Health Secretary Mujeeb ur Rahman declared a state of emergency at Civil Hospital, BMC Hospital, and the Trauma Centre in Quetta to ensure prompt medical care for the victims.
Government Reaction and Investigation
The provincial government spokesperson has requested a comprehensive report on the incident from the Balochistan Home Department. Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti condemned the bombing, expressing heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. “Targeting innocent children is a deeply inhumane act,” he stated, calling the attack reprehensible.
Immediate Security Measures
Bomb disposal teams and district administration authorities arrived at the scene immediately after the explosion to secure the area. Their prompt action was essential to prevent further casualties and maintain safety.
Recent Violence in Mastung
This latest bombing adds to a troubling pattern of violence in Mastung. Previously, the district experienced shootings in July and September. In July, at least 14 people were injured in a shooting near Nawab Hotel, where supporters of the Baloch Yekjehti Committee (BYC) clashed with security forces.
In September, senior journalist Nisar Lehri was shot dead in the GulKand area of Mastung, according to police. Lehri, who also served as the Press Club secretary, was reportedly killed due to a land dispute, according to local authorities. This incident raised concerns about the safety of journalists and the growing violence in the region.
Calls for Justice
The president of the Press Club, Faiz Durani, has demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for Lehri’s death. In response to the rising violence, SP Mastung stated that raids are underway to apprehend the suspects involved in both the journalist’s murder and the recent bombing.
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