The death toll resulting from a devastating explosion at a mosque in Pakistan reached 59 on Saturday, prompting the government to pledge a thorough investigation while implicating India’s intelligence agency in the incident.
The blast occurred on Friday, shattering a mosque in Mastung, a town situated in the southern province of Balochistan. The explosion was triggered when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives near a police vehicle, where individuals had gathered for a procession commemorating the birthday of the Prophet Mohammad.
Pakistani authorities have consistently alleged that India sponsors violent groups within Pakistan, a claim that India has consistently denied.
Interior minister Sarfaraz Bugti asserted, “Civil, military, and all other institutions will collaborate to apprehend those responsible for the Mastung suicide bombing.” He went on to accuse India’s Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) intelligence agency of involvement in the attack, although he did not provide specific details or evidence to support this claim.
India’s foreign ministry and government spokesperson had not issued immediate responses to requests for comments on the allegations.
Wasim Baig, the spokesperson for Balochistan’s health department, disclosed that seven more individuals had succumbed to their injuries since Friday, contributing to the rise in the death toll. He also noted that additional patients remained in critical condition.
In a separate incident on Friday, another mosque in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was targeted, resulting in the deaths of at least 5 people. Police initiated an investigation on Saturday and reported that they had sent DNA samples from the suicide bomber for analysis. As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for either of these attacks.
A surge in militant attacks in Pakistan’s western provinces has cast a shadow over the preparations for upcoming elections and public campaigning leading up to January’s national vote. Until recently, these attacks had primarily targeted security forces.
The Pakistani Taliban (TTP), which has been responsible for some of the deadliest attacks in Pakistan since its formation in 2007, disavowed any involvement in Friday’s blasts.
