12 killed as blast rips through Imambargah in Bolan

BOLAN: A blast ripped through an Imambargah in the Bhaag area on Thursday, killing at least 12 people and injuring 21 others, including children.

Balochistan Home Minister Sarfaraz Bugti said that the explosion occurred in Imambargah Kazmia Chilgiri in Bhaag Tehsil moments before a gathering was about to begin. Owing to lack of ambulances in the area, the victims were being shifted through vehicles of the paramilitary force to hospital. He said that the hospital was located at an hour’s drive from the blast scene.

The home minister said that according to preliminary reports, the blast appeared to be a suicide attack. Bugti said that ambulances and a helicopter had been sent to the area for rescue activities.

Sarfaraz Bugti said that there were six children between 10 and 12 years old among the dead and that some women had also died. He added that the death toll might rise.

Local administration official Muhammad Waseem confirmed the attack and the death toll. Waseem said that the suspected suicide bomber appeared to be about 18 years old and was wearing a woman's burqa. In a statement, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan condemned the blast.