Mastung: At least seven people, including five children, lost their lives while 17 others received injuries in a blast near a government-run hospital in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province, officials reported. Provincial Chief Minister of Balochistan, Sarfaraz Bugti, confirmed in a statement that the tragic incident took place in the Mastung district. According to Kuwait News Agency, the attack occurred near the government-run Mastung Civil Hospital, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals, including a policeman. Initial police reports indicate that the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device attached to a motorcycle, which was detonated near a police mobile. The injured also included four policemen, with five individuals reported to be in serious condition. Security forces have since cordoned off the area to prevent any further incidents, although no group has claimed responsibility for the blast. Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif condemned the explosion, expressing dee p grief over the loss of life, particularly that of the children and the policeman. He extended his condolences to the bereaved families and described the attack as a stark indication of the terrorists' hostility towards education in Balochistan. The Prime Minister directed relevant authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure they face exemplary punishment. Additionally, he emphasized the need for providing the best medical treatment facilities to those injured in the explosion. This tragic incident occurs amidst a backdrop of increasing terror attacks in Pakistan, particularly in the northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces, which share a border with Afghanistan.
