Peshawar, Jul 15: The death toll in the suicide blast targeting an election rally in the restive Balochistan reached 130 today with Pakistan announcing tomorrow as a day of national mourning over the recent terror attacks in the country.
Militants yesterday targeted a gathering of Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) leader Siraj Raisani in the Mastung area in the troubled province, killing at least 128 people and injuring over 200 others. Raisani, who was a candidate from PB-35 (Mastung), was among those killed in the attack.
Two persons succumbed to their injuries today, taking the death toll to 130, the Express Tribune reported, adding that at least 20 of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.
With two more deaths, the number of casualties mounted to 135 in the yesterday’s twin attacks in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provinces.
Five persons were killed after a bomb hit a rally of Akram Khan Durrani of Mutahida Majlis Amal (MMA), an alliance of religious parties, in the Bannu area Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
The Islamic State terror group had claimed responsibility for Balochistan attack through its Aamaq news agency.
Authorities suspect the suicide bomber entered Balochistan from Afghanistan and was provided a safe house in the Chagi area before he came to Mustung.
Pakistan Prime Minister’s Office, in a statement, today said in view of tragic incidents of terrorist attacks at Peshawar on Tuesday and in Mastung and Bannu yesterday, the government has announced to observe one day official mourning throughout the country tomorrow.
