In a devastating incident, a powerful suicide blast struck a mosque in Pakistan's troubled Balochistan province, resulting in the death of at least 52 people and leaving more than 50 others injured. The attack took place during a gathering to commemorate Prophet Muhammad's birthday, known as Eid Miladun Nabi.

A second blast occurred in Hangu city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, claiming three lives and injuring five individuals. The explosion in Balochistan targeted the Madina Mosque on Al Falah Road in the Mastung district. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack thus far. The Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Nawaz Gashkori, who was present at the rally, was among the deceased.

The suicide bomber detonated himself next to the DSP's car, confirming that it was indeed a suicide blast. This tragic incident follows the killing of a prominent Islamic State (ISIS) commander in Mastung by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) just a day prior.

The wounded victims are being transported to medical facilities, and emergency measures have been implemented in the hospitals to accommodate the influx of casualties. The Balochistan interim Information Minister, Jan Achakzai, condemned the attack, stating, "The enemy wants to destroy religious tolerance and peace in Balochistan." Caretaker Chief Minister, Ali Mardan Domki, has ordered the arrest of those responsible for the blast, emphasizing that those who target peaceful processions will face severe consequences.

He urged the people to unite against terrorism, emphasizing that Islam is a religion of peace and that individuals committing such heinous acts cannot be called Muslims. The chief minister has also announced three days of mourning throughout the province in the wake of this tragedy. The interim Interior Minister, Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti, strongly condemned the blast as well, emphasizing that terrorists have no faith or religion.

He assured that all resources would be utilized for the rescue operation and that no effort would be spared in treating the injured. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President, Shehbaz Sharif, denounced the attack, describing it as detestable to carry out such a despicable act on a day meant to celebrate the birth of the Holy Prophet.

He offered condolences to the families of the deceased and injured. Following the blast in Balochistan, the Punjab police heightened security measures for Friday prayers at mosques across the province. Meanwhile, the Karachi police instructed officers to remain on high alert and monitor any unusual activities in view of the Mastung blast.

This tragic incident is not the first to terrorize Mastung. The district has been targeted by terror attacks in the past, with one in July 2018 being one of the deadliest in its history, claiming the lives of 128 individuals. The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an umbrella group of terrorist outfits, has been implicated in these attacks.

The TTP, believed to be affiliated with al-Qaeda, has been responsible for numerous deadly assaults in Pakistan, including attacks on military bases, the 2008 bombing of the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, and an assault on army headquarters in 2009. The horrific attack in Balochistan is a grim reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by Pakistan, particularly during religious events.

It highlights the need for enhanced security measures and a united front against terrorism to protect the lives of innocent civilians. The government and security forces must remain vigilant to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.