A suicide bomb blast near a mosque in Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan has resulted in the death of at least 50 people and left over 50 others injured.
Gatekeepers News reports that Munir Ahmed, deputy inspector general of police, reported that the bomber detonated himself near the vehicle of the Deputy Superintendent of Police.
The attack occurred on Friday, as Muslims had gathered to celebrate Maulud, which commemorates the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
While no group has claimed responsibility for the blast, it took place amid an increase in attacks by militant groups in western Pakistan as the country approaches national elections scheduled for January next year.
The Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has distanced itself from the attack.
The TTP is a close ally of the Afghan Taliban, which seized power in neighbouring Afghanistan in August 2021.
Abdul Rasheed, a district health official, expressed concerns that the death toll could rise as many people were in serious condition.
In response to the tragic incident, authorities have declared a state of emergency.
