On September 29, the city of Quetta in the Balochistan province of Pakistan suffered a severe suicide bombing, killing at least 52 people and injuring more than 50 others. The incident occurred at a religious gathering for a rally to mark the birthday of Prophet Mohammed, near Madina Mosque in the Mastung district.

The Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of the district, on duty for the rally, was among the deceased. According to the City Station House officer (SHO) Mohammad Javed Lehri, the explosion took place next to the DSP’s car. The injured victims are being shifted to a medical facility, and an emergency has been imposed.

Jan Achakzai, the interim Information Minister, informed that rescue teams have been dispatched to the concerned area. “The enemy wants to destroy religious tolerance and peace in Balochistan with foreign blessings,” said the minister. Calling the incident unbearable, Achakzai added the caretaker Chief Minister has ordered the immediate arrest of those responsible.

Pakistan has been experiencing a resurgence of attacks by Islamist militants since last year after a ceasefire agreement between the government and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) broke down. However, the group has denied responsibility for the attack.

The Balochistan Liberation Army has also been responsible for multiple incidents, especially in the Balochistan province. There is no confirmation from the group yet.

-Anushka Upadhyay