Two martyred, several injured in blast inside mosque in Quetta

QUETTA: At least two people were martyred and several injured in an explosion in a mosque in Quetta’s Pashtunabad area on Friday.

Rescue sources said 26 people were injured in the blast with three said to be in critical condition at Quetta's Civil hospital. 

Police said the blast occurred inside Masjid Rahmania shortly before Friday prayers. 

Speaking to Geo News, the mosque administration said the blast occurred at 1:15pm and that there were approximately 30 to 40 people gathered in the mosque for Friday prayers.

According to reports, the explosion shattered windowpanes of the houses nearby. 

The exact nature of the blast was yet to be determined. Police have cordoned the area and launched an investigation to ascertain the cause of the explosion.

PM Imran Khan condemns Quetta blast

Prime Minister Imran Khan has condemned the explosion at Quetta's Masjid Rahmania, ordering officials to submit a report into the incident, a PM Office statement said.

The prime minister prayed for the health of those injured and also directed concerned authorities to provide them the best medical facilities.

Earlier this month, four policemen were martyred and 11 others were injured in a blast near a police van in Mini Market area of the provincial capital.

On April 14, at least 20 people were killed and dozens injured in a blast believed to be targeting the Hazara community in Quetta's Hazarganji area. 

Eight Hazara, an FC official and two children were among the dead. At least 48 others, including three security personnel, were injured in the blast.