By Muhammad Luqman
At least 15 people, including a police constable, were killed and dozens others injured in a suicide bombing at a shrine, Dargah Fatehpur in the Jhal Magsi district of Pakistan’s south-western province of Balochistan, according to media reports.
The explosion took place at the shrine at a time when a big number of people had gathered to pay their respects. Thursdays are usually busy in terms of attendance at shrines.
According to police and district administration officials, it was a suicide attack.
The suicide bomber tried to enter the shrine but when the security guard tried to stop him, he blew himself up.
Police officials have confirmed the death of 15 people and said that the injured are being transferred to District Headquarters Hospital, Jhal Magsi.
Initial reports reveal that the explosion took place when the dhamaal — a traditional dance performed by devotees — was being performed after evening prayers.
Sarfaraz Bugti, while talking to media persons, said that he had received the news regarding a blast in Jhal Magsi and subsequently directed the concerned authorities to respond immediately.
Security forces also reached the spot of the incident and have established a cordon around it.
In November 2017, at least 52 people were killed and 102 injured in a bombing at the shrine of Shah Norani in Khuzdar district of Balochistan.
