At least 52 killed, many more injured in blast in Pakistan

Local Pakistani media said that a powerful bomb was detonated at a rally celebrating the birthday of Prophet Muhammad in southwest Pakistan, killing at least 52 people and wounding dozens of others, local Pakistani officials and media reports say.

According to the local English-language newspaper Dawn, District Health Officer (DHO) Abdul Razzaq Shahi confirmed the casualties to Dawn.com while City Station House Officer (SHO) Mohammad Javed Lehri said a police official was among the dead.

However, Dr Saeed Mirwani, chief executive of Shaheed Nawab Ghous Bakhsh Raisani Memorial Hospital had earlier told Dawn.com that 34 people were dead while more than 130 were injured.

Shahi clarified that the higher number was because of double entries from two hospitals, and that the number of the injured was approximately 50.

CEO Dr Mirwani confirmed that 28 bodies have been brought to the hospital so far, while 22 were taken to the Mastung district hospital.

He said dozens were being treated at the hospital while more than 20 injured people have been referred to Quetta for medical assistance. “The process of moving bodies and injured persons continues even now,” the hospital CEO said.

Earlier, Mastung Assistant Commissioner (AC) Attahul Munim had said 15 people were killed due to the explosion while more than 50 were injured.

MNA