Four dead, several hurt in Barkhan blast

Four people died and 16 others hurt in a powerful blast that ripped through Rakhni Bazar in Barkhan area in Balochistan, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday.

According SHO Sajjad Afzal Rakhni, four people died in the explosion and 16 others sustained injuries.

Deputy Commissioner Barkhan Abdul Khosa said that the blast occurred when an improvised explosive device (IED), planted on a motorcycle, exploded. Resultantly, several vehicles, motorcycles and shops were damaged.

Among the injured were also included two little girls. 

The dead and injured were shifted to the Civil Hospital.

Hospital sources said that the condition of the injured was stated to be critical. 

According to sources, the bomb was planted on a motorcycle parked outside a barber shop.

Police said they were still investigating the nature of the blast.

The security forces have cordoned off the area. 

President, PM, FM and CMs of Balochistan, Punjab condemn blast

President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday condemned a blast in Barkhan, Balochistan province which resulted in loss of precious lives.

The president and the prime minister expressed their deep grief over the loss of lives and expressed condolences with the bereaved families.

They also prayed for the high ranks of the departed souls and for the early recovery of the injured, President Secretariat and PM Office media wings said in their separate press releases.

The prime minister summoned a report from the chief minister and inspector general of police over the incident.

The president also stressed upon expediting efforts to completely eliminate terrorists.

The prime minister said that terrorists could not escape the punishment and those shedding innocent blood would be made an example.

The prime minister also directed for the provision of best medical treatment to the injured.

Chairman Pakistan People's Party and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Barkhan district of Balochistan. 

He said terrorists have no religion or nation, they are brutal beasts in human form.

Chairman Pakistan People's Party and Foreign Minister @BBhuttoZardari strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Barkhan district of Balochistan.https://t.co/uZw6wua6sG pic.twitter.com/5wSsbDT3rt

— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) February 26, 2023

Former president and PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari while condemning the incident asked the federal and provincial government to bring all the criminals involved in this act of terrorism to justice. 

He expressed his sympathy and condolences to the families of those who were martyred in the blast. 

He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. 

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo has condemned the blast and directed the authorities to take all possible steps to arrest the culprits.

“Those who shed the blood of innocent people are enemies of humanity,” he added.

Punjab Chief Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi also condemned the bomb blast in Barkhan area and expressed his sorrow over the loss of precious lives. 

He said the Punjab government fully shared the grief and sorrow of those who have lost their near and dear ones. 

Reporter Doran Baloch