Dual Blasts Rock Police Station and Mosque in Pakistan, Leaving Multiple Dead and Dozens Injured
Hangu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan — Tragedy struck the Doaba police station in the Hangu area of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Friday as two successive blasts claimed the lives of at least four individuals, including a valiant police officer, and left a dozen others injured, according to police sources cited by Dawn.
Hangu District Police Officer Nisar Ahmed confirmed the devastating toll. The initial explosion occurred at the entrance of the police station, drawing a crowd to the site. Minutes later, a second blast occurred within a mosque located on the station’s premises, striking during the Friday sermon.
The force of the explosion caused the mosque’s roof to collapse, leaving an estimated 30 to 40 individuals trapped beneath the rubble. Urgent efforts were initiated to extricate the injured and retrieve the bodies, necessitating the deployment of heavy machinery.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Interim Chief Minister, Azam Khan, has called for a comprehensive report on the incident from law enforcement. He has also directed authorities to expedite the ongoing rescue operation, with specific emphasis on providing the best available medical treatment to the wounded.
In a separate, equally tragic event, a blast near a mosque in Pakistan’s Balochistan province claimed the lives of at least 52 people, including a police officer, and resulted in around 50 additional injuries. The explosion occurred as individuals were gathering for an Eid-i-Miladun Nabi procession near Madina Masjid at Alfalah Road in the Mastung district.
Dr. Saeed Mirwani, Chief Executive of Shaheed Nawab Ghous Bakhsh Raisani Memorial Hospital, reported that numerous individuals were currently receiving treatment at the hospital, while over 20 injured victims had been referred to Quetta for further medical attention.
According to Mastung Assistant Commissioner Atta-ul-Munim, preliminary investigations suggest that the explosion was a result of a suicide blast. The deceased Deputy Superintendent of Police was identified as Nawaz Gishkori by SHO Lehri.
As Pakistan grapples with these heartbreaking incidents, the nation mourns the loss of lives and stands united in support of those affected by the tragedies.
