Mastung (Web Desk): At least nine people, including five school children and a policeman died and several others injured in a blast near the Girls High School at the Civil Hospital Chowk in Mastung city of Balochistan.
According to Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Miandad Umrani, a remote-controlled explosive device was planted in a motorcycle.
The ages of the deceased schoolchildren, including girls and boys, are between 10 to 13 years old, while four policemen are among the injured.
The injured were transported to nearby hospitals, including DHQ and Ghaus Bakhsh Raisani Hospital
Emergency has been declared in hospitals, said Mastung Deputy Commissioner Mir Baaz Khan Marri.
Bomb disposal teams and district administration authorities arrived at the scene immediately after the explosion to secure the area.
Earlier the police reported at least 15 people injured in the attack, which completely destroyed the police vehicle.
Several other vehicles, including rickshaws, present near the blast site were also damaged, they added.
Taking notice of the incident, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti condemned the blast expressing grief over the loss of lives. He extended condolences to the relatives of the martyred policeman and schoolchildren.
"Terrorists have now targeted innocent children along with labourers,” the Balochistan CM said, resolving to avenge the blood of innocent citizens including children.
Mir Sarfraz Bugti added that locals among the civilian population also have to keep an eye on the terrorists.
"The monster of terrorism can only be fought together," the Balochistan CM said.