At least 52 people have been killed and over 100 injured
by a massive blast at a shrine in southwestern Pakistan on Saturday
evening, said local officials.
The blast occurred at the shrine of Sufi saint Shah Noorani
located in the remote Lasbela district of southwestern Balochistan
province, which is visited annually by thousands from across
Pakistan.
Sohail Rehman, Deputy Commissioner of the Khuzdar district,
confirmed the attack was carried out by a suicide bomber. Local Geo
TV reported the attack has been claimed by Syria-based militant
group Daesh.
President Mamnoon Hussain, and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif have
condemned the terrorist attack.
Hakeem Laasi, an official from Edhi Foundation, a humanitarian
relief agency engaged in the rescue operation, said many injured
succumbed to their wounds as they could not be shifted to the
hospital in time due to the remoteness of the site.
Several people were killed and injured due to a stampede caused
by the blast, he said, adding that scores of injured were
transported to the hospital in private vehicles by visitors who
survived the attack.
Rescue teams had faced difficulties in due to darkness and the
mountainous nature of the site. Visitors generally have to walk and
climb a hill to reach the shrine.