FIR lodged against Mastung 'attackers'

Police invoke charges of terrorism, murder, attempted murder, and explosives use

QUETTA:

A first information report (FIR) was registered on Saturday against the unidentified terrorists who on Friday detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) in Mastung district of Balochistan, killing nine people including five children.

The FIR, lodged on the basis of an application by the Mastung station house officer (SHO) at the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) police station, includes charges of terrorism, murder, attempted murder, and explosives use.

An IED went off in Mastung on Friday morning leaving nine people, including five children, a police officer and a civilian, dead and injuring 17 others.

Kalat Division Commissioner Naeem Bazai said that the explosion occurred at around 8:35am near the District Headquarters Hospital. Initial investigations suggested that an IED attached to a motorcycle was detonated near a police mobile unit.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti strongly condemned the attack, terming it a heinous act against civilians and children. He vowed to apprehend those behind the violence and ensure they face justice.

After the attack, an emergency was declared in regional hospitals to prioritise the treatment of the injured. Security measures were ramped up across Mastung and surrounding areas, with law-enforcement agencies on high alert to prevent further incidents, the officials said.

In July, at least 14 people were injured in the Mastung district. The incident occurred when supporters of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) clashed with security forces. In September, senior journalist Nisar Lehri was shot dead in the Gulkand area of Mastung over a land dispute.

Last year, at least 60 people, including a policeman, died and 60 others were injured when a suicide bomber targeted an Eid Miladun Nabi procession in Mastung. The attack took place during the preparations for Friday prayers.