Quetta: Hazara Town suicide blast leaves 28 dead, over 60 wounded

QUETTA: Twenty-eight people lost their lives while over 60 others sustained wounds when a suicide bomber blew himself up near an Imam Bargah in Aliabad area of Hazara Town here on Sunday, Geo News reported quoting rescue sources.

Those killed also include two women while women and children are also among the injured, twenty of whom are said to be in critical condition.

According to Capital City Police Officer (CCPO), the suicide bomber detonated the explosive strapped to his body when he was stopped from entering the premises of the Imam Bargah Abu Talib.

The dead bodies and injured were rushed to Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Bolan Medical Centre and Civil Hospital, sources said.

A number of houses and shops were also damaged in the attack.

The security forces completely cordoned off the area following the high-intensity suicide blast and media persons and members of rescue teams were not being allowed to enter the crime scene.

The attack once again targeted the Hazara Town in Quetta despite presence of heavy security and it is being feared that the death toll could mount.

According to an eye witness, the blast took place near an Imam Bargah followed by firing. The area plunged into darkness after the thunderous explosion that disrupted the power supply.

Muttahida Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM) has announced three-day mourning across the country while Hazara Democratic Party (HDP) has called a shutter-down strike in Quetta.

Earlier in the day, at least 17 people including a child were killed and 32 others sustained injuries in a powerful blast near Badaber police station in Peshawar.

Police said militants targeted security forces convoy in the attack.

The dead and injured were rushed to Lady Reading Hospital. Condition of six injured is said to be critical.