World Desk, AnyTV, Karachi
Published by: Amit Mandal
Updated Tue, 08 Mar 2022 08:38 PM IST
Summary
Baloch insurgent groups have carried out several attacks in the region in the past, targeting China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects and security personnel.
At least five security personnel were killed and 28 others injured in an explosion on Tuesday during a visit by President Arif Alvi to attend an annual cultural festival in Pakistan’s restive southwestern Balochistan province’s Sibi district. The blast took place near an open area where the festival was taking place. Officials said five security personnel were killed in the blast. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.
President Alvi was involved in the annual festival
Balochistan, bordering Iran and Afghanistan, has been a hotbed of violent insurgency for a long time. Baloch insurgent groups have carried out several attacks in the region in the past, targeting China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects and security personnel. According to local media reports, the blast took place after President Alvi left after attending the annual festival.
Suicide bombing suspected
Dawn newspaper quoted counter-terrorism department official Hafeez Rind as saying that the blast occurred 30 minutes after President Alvi attended the ceremony in Sibi. Rind said that it seems to be a suicide blast. However the investigation is going on. Balochistan Health Department coordinator Dr. Waseem Baig said that at least 28 injured were brought to the civil hospital, while five of them are in critical condition.
Medical Superintendent Civil Hospital Dr. Sarwar Hashmi said that most of the injured were security personnel. Hashmi said five people who were seriously injured were taken to the provincial capital Quetta. Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bijenjo strongly condemned the attack and directed the authorities to provide all possible medical treatment to those injured in the blast.
Expansion
At least five security personnel were killed and 28 others injured in an explosion on Tuesday during a visit by President Arif Alvi to attend an annual cultural festival in Pakistan’s restive southwestern Balochistan province’s Sibi district. The blast took place near an open area where the festival was taking place. Officials said five security personnel were killed in the blast. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.
President Alvi was involved in the annual festival
Balochistan, bordering Iran and Afghanistan, has been a hotbed of violent insurgency for a long time. Baloch insurgent groups have carried out several attacks in the region in the past, targeting China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects and security personnel. According to local media reports, the blast took place after President Alvi left after attending the annual festival.
Suicide bombing suspected
Dawn newspaper quoted counter-terrorism department official Hafeez Rind as saying that the blast occurred 30 minutes after President Alvi attended the ceremony in Sibi. Rind said that it seems to be a suicide blast. However the investigation is going on. Balochistan Health Department coordinator Dr. Waseem Baig said that at least 28 injured were brought to the civil hospital, while five of them are in critical condition.
Medical Superintendent Civil Hospital Dr. Sarwar Hashmi said that most of the injured were security personnel. Hashmi said five people who were seriously injured were taken to the provincial capital Quetta. Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bijenjo strongly condemned the attack and directed the authorities to provide all possible medical treatment to those injured in the blast.