Terrorist group Daesh alleged responsibility for a suicide bombing at a political rally in Pakistan, resulting in the death of 15 individuals.
In a tragic turn of events, a suicide bombing took place at a political rally in Quetta, Pakistan, on Tuesday night. The attack targeted supporters and senior leaders of the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), an ethnic Baloch nationalist party headed by Sardar Akhtar Mengal.
The latest blast, which occurred a short distance away from party leaders, including Nawab Niyaz Zehri, left at least 15 people dead and 32 injured. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos following the explosion. Eight of the injured are in critical condition and have been shifted to the Combined Military Hospital.
Daesh, a group that has maintained a presence in Balochistan for nearly a decade, carrying out repeated bombings, claimed responsibility for the attack. This marks yet another instance of violence in Balochistan, Pakistan's largest yet most impoverished province, which has been dealing with a separatist insurgency for decades.
Mengal, the leader of the BNP-M, declared a three-day mourning period and a "black day" across Balochistan. He also stated that the government did not inform them of any threat alert before the rally. Mengal escorted political allies out of the rally shortly before the explosion.
In response to the attack, the provincial government imposed Section 144 in the province, giving emergency powers to maintain public order and safety. Dr. Waseem Baig, spokesperson for the provincial health department, said teams are working around the clock to treat the wounded.
The BNP-M campaigns for greater provincial autonomy and control over natural resources. Militants in Balochistan frequently target security forces, officials, and non-local residents. This attack is a stark reminder of the ongoing violence and instability in the region.
The group first announced an affiliate in Pakistan in 2015. The Daesh group's presence in Balochistan and their repeated bombings have been a cause of concern for the Pakistani authorities and the international community. The authorities are urged to take immediate action to ensure the safety and security of the citizens of Balochistan and to bring those responsible for this heinous act to justice.
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