Pakistan: 11 killed, 18 injured after suicide bombing at political rally in Balochistan; probe on

At least 11 people were killed and 18 others injured in a suicide bombing at a political rally in Quetta, the capital of Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province, officials told news agency AFP on Tuesday.The blast occurred in the parking lot of a stadium where hundreds of supporters of the Balochistan National Party (BNP) had gathered. Two provincial officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the death toll to AFP.

Emergency services rushed to the scene as authorities launched an investigation into the attack.According to Dawn, Advocate Sajid Tareen, acting president of the BNP-M the attack took place shortly after a party rally marking the death anniversary of BNP founder Attaullah Mengal.A statement from the Balochistan Home Department confirmed that rescue teams had reached the site and that the wounded were being treated in local hospitals. Security forces swiftly cordoned off the area and have begun collecting evidence.Balochistan chief minister Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly act of enemies of humanity.” He said “malicious elements” were targeting innocent civilians and vowed that the “evil intentions of terrorists” would be defeated. No group has yet claimed responsibility.This a breaking story. Details to follow...