Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri was the target of a blast that killed 20 people and wounded nearly 35 in the South Western Balochistan province.
Haideri was addressing a gathering at a mosque after Friday prayers in Mastung area of Balochistan. The huge explosion was near the deputy chairman’s car 70 kilometers from Quetta, the provincial capital.
Malik Jibran, Mastung Hospital PRO revealed 20 people were killed and 35 injured. He also added that among the 35, fifteen were in a critical condition.
Haideri managed to escape with minor injuries as he wasn’t inside the car when the explosion occured.
Raza Rabbani, Chairman of the Senate informed the media, “I have talked to the chief secretary of Balochistan and asked him to airlift Haideri to Quetta.” Further reports revealed Haideri was shifted to the Civil Hospital.
Haideri later made a brief statement to Dunya TV, “It was a powerful explosion. I have received injured (sic) but I am safe. I am sorry for the death of innocent people.”
The TV footage of the bombed site showed the deputy’s car completely damaged, killing even his driver who was in the car.
Ghazanfar Ali, District Police Officer of Mustang said, “It could be a suicide bomb attack but it is too early to say for sure.”
At present, no group has admitted to being behind the attack. The investigation is being conducted to figure out the nature of the bombing.
Balochistan has been the target for a number of attacks by terrorists and separatists in the past few years. Mustang has also witnessed a number of attacks that have caused unrest in the area. Although there are constant security operations in the area, attacks continue.
