At least nine injured in Chaman mosque blast

CHAMAN: At least nine people were injured in a blast that took place inside a mosque at Taj Road, police said.

The injured, who included the mosque imam, were taken to District Headquarters Hospital, Chaman, medical superintendent said.

All wounded are out of danger and most have sustained burn injuries, the MS added.

Law enforcement agencies reached the site soon after the blast, while bomb disposal squad inspected the site to collect evidence.

Police said explosives were hidden inside a cupboard in the mosque, and went off when Magrib prayers were being held.

Chief Minister Balochistan has condemned the incident and directed authorities to ensure provision of medical facilities to the injured.

Awami National Party chief Asfandyar Wali and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Hamza Shehbaz also condemned the attack.

Several people were injured and at least one died in separate blasts in the city this year.

On August 12, one person was killed and several wounded in a blast on Chaman’s Mall road, police had said.

Early this year, in January, back to back bombs went off in the city, injuring several, including security officials.