Pakistan: 52 killed, 50 injured in blast near mosque as worshippers gathered to mark Prophet's birthday

Officials have said that the wounded are being moved to a medical facility

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Photo: AP

By Reuters

Published: Fri 29 Sep 2023, 11:14 AM

Last updated: Fri 29 Sep 2023, 12:50 PM

At least 52 people were killed and more than 50 injured on Friday in a suicide attack on a religious gathering to mark the birthday of Prophet Mohammed in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province, health officials and police said.

No group has claimed responsibility for the blast, which comes amid a surge in attacks claimed by militant groups in the west of the country, raising the stakes for security forces ahead of national elections scheduled for January next year.

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"The bomber detonated himself near the vehicle of the Deputy Superintendent of Police," Deputy Inspector General of Police Munir Ahmed told Reuters, adding that blast took place near a mosque where people were gathering for a procession to mark Mohammad's birthday, which is a public holiday.

The casualties were being treated at hospitals in the nearby town of Mastung. Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti called the blast was a "very heinous act".

In July, more than 40 people were killed in a suicide bombing in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province at a religious political party's gathering.

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Reuters

Published: Fri 29 Sep 2023, 11:14 AM

Last updated: Fri 29 Sep 2023, 12:50 PM

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