Blast targets convoy of Senate's deputy chairman, 25 killed
Abdul Ghafoor Haideri was returning after attending an event in Mastung.
MASTUNG (Dunya News) – At least 25 people have been killed and several others injured as a powerful roadside explosion targeted convoy of Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, the deputy-chairman and the secretary-general of Jamiat Ulema Islam, in the town of Mastung, around 40 km south of Quetta today (Friday).
Abdul Ghafoor Haideri was returning from an event at Jamia Ayesha Siddiqa when the explosion took place.
"I am alive, Allah has saved my life, it was a sudden blast, broken pieces of the windscreen hit me, I am injured but safe. The driver and other people sitting next to me were badly injured," Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri said.
VIDEO: Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri spoke to Dunya News after the blast
Security forces have cordoned off the area.
The injured have been shifted to Mastung Civil Hospital, while those in critical condition are being moved to Quetta for treatment.
DPO Mastung Muhammad Ghazanfar said initial details suggested it was a suicide attack.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has strongly condemned the incident and expressed his deep concern for the well being of Maulana Haideri.
The Prime Minister has also expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the blast. He directed the concerned authorities to ensure best medical treatment for those injured during the attack on immediate basis.
The Chairman Senate strongly condemned the suicide bomb blast, stating that terrorists cannot deter nation’s resolve against militancy through such coward attacks.
Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Khan Zehri has announced emergency in all hospitals of Quetta and Mastung.
