At least 57 people were killed, including seven children, in two separate suicide bombings that targeted mosques in Pakistan during the celebration of Prophet Mohammad’s birthday. The attacks occurred in the provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which both border Afghanistan. The death toll is expected to rise as many people were seriously injured and others are still trapped under the rubble.
Authorities have not yet identified the group responsible for the attacks, and no group has claimed responsibility so far. The first blast took place in Mastung, where the bomber detonated his explosives near a police vehicle during a procession. This attack resulted in the deaths of 52 people, including the children. The second attack occurred in the neighboring province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing five people.
The bombings have heightened concerns regarding security in the lead-up to the national election scheduled for January. Previous militant attacks in the western provinces of Pakistan had primarily targeted security forces. However, these recent bombings during the religious celebration show a shift in the militants’ strategy.
The provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have frequently experienced attacks by Islamist militants who seek to overthrow the Pakistani government and impose their radical interpretation of Islamic law. The surge in militant activities since the breakdown of a ceasefire in 2022 between the government and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has further destabilized the regions.
Pakistan’s caretaker Prime Minister Anwar ul Haq Kakar, currently in Saudi Arabia for the Umrah pilgrimage, strongly condemned the attacks and called for support for the victims. The caretaker government’s role is to oversee the upcoming national election.
While the TTP denied responsibility for these bombings, they have been behind some of the deadliest attacks in Pakistan since their formation in 2007. Other extremist groups have also claimed responsibility for previous attacks, such as the Islamic State militant group.
The targeted mosques belonged to the Barelvi sect, which is generally considered more moderate than hardline Islamic sects. However, some hardline groups view the veneration of the Prophet Mohammad as heresy. The attacks highlight the ongoing religious and sectarian tensions within the country.
The surge in militant attacks and the targeting of religious sites emphasize the importance of bolstering security measures in Pakistan. The government and security forces must remain vigilant and take proactive steps to counter these acts of violence.
