An explosion in Balochistan’s Mastung district on Friday morning killed at least seven people, including five children, and injured 40 others.
At least one police official was among the martyred, according to local officials, who said several police officials were among the injured. Authorities said initial investigations suggested the bomb was attached to a motorcycle and was detonated while a police patrol was passing the Girls High School at the Civil Hospital Chowk.
District Headquarters (DHQ) Medical Superintendent Nisar Ahmad Baloch told media most of the injured were schoolchildren, adding they were receiving treatment either at DHQ or the nearby Nawab Hospital. Mastung Deputy Commissioner Mir Baaz Khan Marri said emergency was declared in both hospitals after the explosion. A spokesperson for the provincial health department said the condition of at least five injured was critical.
Videos and pictures from the site showed damage to several vehicles, including rickshaws.
In a statement, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti condemned the blast and expressed grief over the loss of lives. He extended condolences to the relatives of the martyred policeman and schoolchildren. “Terrorists have now targeted innocent children along with laborers,” he said, vowing to avenge the blood of all innocent citizens, including children.
The chief minister urged locals to keep a close watch for suspicious activity. “The monster of terrorism can only be fought together,” he added.
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the violent “terrorist attack” and instructed authorities concerned to apprehend its perpetrators and bring them to justice. He also directed the best possible medical treatment of the injured.
“The attack on a school is the manifestation of terrorists’ animosity to education in Balochistan. Such cowardly acts can neither undermine the nation’s morale nor that of Balochistan’s government to promote education and development. The whole nation feels proud of its policemen and soldiers for their sacrifices to safeguard the country,” he added.
Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also condemned the incident in separate statements.