20 Killed, 50 Injured In Bomb Attack at Eid- Maulud Anniversary Celebration in Pakistan

A powerful bomb has exploded at a rally celebrating the birthday of Prophet Muhammad in Southwest Pakistan, killing at least 20 people and wounding more than 50 others.

The bombing, which also killed a police officer, occurred on Friday in Mastung, a district in Balochistan province, said government administrator Atta Ullah.

The police suspect it was a suicide attack targeted at the religious gathering in Mastung city.

Officials have declared a state of emergency.

Police said the casualties are being transported to two hospitals.

Earlier this month, at least 11 people, including a prominent religious leader, were injured in a blast in the same district.

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Muslims in Pakistan and around the world celebrate the birthday of Islam’s prophet by holding public gatherings.

While the celebration is accepted by a majority of Islamic sects, certain denominations view it as an unwarranted innovation.

Pakistan has in the past been the site of attacks by armed groups.

Earlier this month, at least 11 people, including a prominent religious leader, were injured in a blast in the same district of Balochistan, the Dawn newspaper said.

In July, more than 40 people were killed in a suicide bombing in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province at a religious political party’s gathering.

The gas-rich Balochistan province at the border of Afghanistan and Iran has been the site of a low-intensity rebellion by Baloch separatists for more than two decades.

The separatists initially wanted a share of the provincial resources, but later launched a movement calling for independence.