Balochistan blast: The death toll is expected to rise
At least 13 people were killed and several injured in a suicide blast at a shrine in Balochistan’s Jhal Magsi, Pakistani media reported on Thursday. According to Dawn, the explosion took place at the shrine at a time when scores of people had gathered to pay their respects. There was no immediate claim of responsibility of the blast.
Attendance at shrines is usually large on Thursday. The death toll is expected to increase.
In November 2016, at least 52 people were killed in an ISIL-claimed suicide bombing at a shrine in the Hub district of Balochistan, south of Jhal Magsi.
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8:38 pm: Death toll has increased to 13 and at least 20 have been injured in today’s suicide bomb blast at a Sufi shrine.
8:28 pm: “Investigations are still continuing and the injured have been moved to the district headquarters hospital in Jhal Magsi,” said Balochistan Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti. He also told the media that so far it appeared to be a suicide attack.
7:51 pm This is the first image from the blast site
At least 10 killed, scores injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up inside a shrine in SW Pakistan’s Balochistan Province on Thursday pic.twitter.com/ywEHcPWRAC
— People’s Daily,China (@PDChina) October 5, 2017
7:43 pm Security forces have reached the spot and have established a cordon around it.
7:42 pm According to Dawn, initial reports suggest that the explosion took place when the dhamaal — a traditional dance performed by devotees — was being performed after evening prayers.
7:40 pm Balochistan government spokesman Anwarul Haq Kakar confirmed it was a suicide attack. Police and district administration officials have confirmed that it was a suicide attack.
7:39 pm Talking to media persons, Balochistan Home Minister Sarfaraz Bugti said that he has directed the concerned authorities to respond immediately.
7:38 pm Officials so far have confirmed death of 10 people and said that the injured are being transferred to District Headquarters Hospital, Jhal Magsi.
7:35 pm: Dawn News quoted a district administration official as saying, “The suicide bomber tried to enter the shrine but when the security guard tried to stop him, he blew himself up.”
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