A blast in Mastung, Balochistan, has tragically killed seven people, including five schoolchildren, a police officer, and a passer-by. The explosion occurred near the Girls High School at Civil Hospital Chowk and targeted a police vehicle.
Initially, five deaths were reported, but two more victims later died from their injuries at the hospital, bringing the total to seven, as confirmed by DHQ Medical Superintendent Nisar Ahmad Baloch.
According to DPO Miandad Umrani, the bomb was hidden in a motorcycle. Four police personnel were among the injured. The ages of the deceased schoolchildren ranged from 5 to 10 years old.
Emergency services and security forces quickly arrived at the scene to help evacuate the injured to a nearby hospital. Out of 22 critically injured individuals, 13 were referred to the Quetta Trauma Center for further treatment. In response to the situation, an emergency was declared at the BMC Hospital in Quetta. Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar instructed that the best medical care be provided to the blast victims.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif condemned the attack on schoolchildren, stating that it reflects a hatred towards education. He assured the public that the authorities would identify those responsible and that they would face severe punishment.