JUI-F leader Muhammad Hanif, two others martyred in Chaman blast

Authorities say IED planted on motorbike at business centre that went off when Hanif left building

QUETTA: At least three people, including Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Deputy Secretary General Muhammad Hanif, were martyred in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Chaman on Saturday.

Ten others sustained injuries as a bomb detonated on Taj road with authorities now shifting the injured to a hospital.

The JUI-F leader succumbed to his injuries on his way to Quetta for treatment.

Chaman District Commissioner Mohammad Bashir confirmed that the opposition party leader was slain in the blast.

He said an (IED) improvised explosive device was planted on a motorbike parked in front of a business centre which went off when Hanif was leaving the building.

"Maulana Muhammad Hanif was the target of the bomb blast,"
senior police officer Muhammad Iqbal said.

He added that no group is yet to take responsibility for the explosion which damaged nearby buildings and shops.

Security forces cordoned off the area with an investigation now under way.

Balochistan bleeds again: One martyred, at least 11 injured in Chaman IED blast

Past attacks

The opposition party's leaders have been targeted in the past as well,  in 2017, JUI-F leader Abdul Ghafoor Haideri sustained injuries as his convoy in a suicide attack in Mastung.

Twenty-eight people had been killed and 39 others sustained injuries in the attack.

The JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman was also the target of a suicide attack back in 2014  while returning from a public rally in Quetta.

Condolences pour in

Party chief Fazlur Rehman strongly condemned the incident, saying, "I am deeply grieved by his death."

He said that Hanif was a sincere leader, adding that,"This heinous attack is part of plot to destabilise the country."

While President Dr Arif Alvi condemned the blast and expressed his deep grief and sorrow on the death of Hanif and the other victims.

He said the culprits are the enemies of peace and development of Balochistan.

Alvi also directed for provision of best medical facilities to the injured persons and prayed for their early recovery.

Similarly, Prime Minister Imran Khan has also strongly condemned the blast.

In a statement, he expressed deep grief over the loss of precious lives including the JUI leader.

He also expressed sympathy with the bereaved families and prayed for early recovery of injured. He directed to provide all possible treatment to them.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Ijaz Ahmed Shah strongly condemned the attack and reiterated the government’s resolve to thwart any conspiracy from stopping Balochistan's development.

In a statement, the minister expressed heartfelt sorrow and condoled over the loss of innocent lives and property in the blast.

He said the ongoing development in Chaman is haunting the anti-state elements and the attack was an attempt to undermine the determination of law enforcement agencies.

Shah said the elements involved in the terrorist attack would be taken to task.

He resolved that the government would continue the development works including the trade as well as border security management.

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has also strongly condemned the bomb blast in Chaman.

In a condolence message, he expressed deep grief over the loss of precious human lives in the blast and prayed for the early recovery of the injured.