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 15 people and wounding dozens of others, local Pakistani officials and media reports say.
Mastung Assistant Commissioner (AC) Attahul Munim confirmed the casualties to the local English newspaper Dawn, while City Station House Officer (SHO) Mohammad Javed Lehri said a police official was among the dead.
The bombing occurred in Mastung, a district in Balochistan province on Friday, said government administrator Atta Ullah, according to Dawn.
City Station House Officer (SHO) Mohammad Javed Lehri said the explosion was a “suicide blast” and that the bomber exploded himself near the car of DSP Gishkori who was to remain on the sidelines of the procession.
Muslims in Pakistan and around the world celebrate the birthday of Islam’s prophet by holding public gatherings.
Earlier this month, at least 11 people, including a prominent religious leader, were injured in a blast in the same district, the Dawn newspaper said.
MNA