The explosion took place in the Rakhni market area when an improvised explosive device (IED) planted on a motorcycle exploded...
Digital Desk: At least four people were killed and ten were injured in an explosion inside a market in Pakistan's Balochistan province on Sunday (February 26, 2023), police said.
Barkhan Deputy Commissioner Abdullah Khoso told Dawn newspaper that the explosion took place in the Rakhni market area when an improvised explosive device (IED) planted on a motorcycle exploded.
Barkhan Station House Officer (SHO) Sajjad Afzal said the injured people were taken to a nearby hospital.
The official said a police team had arrived at the scene and sealed off the area for further investigations.
Unverified videos that have been circulating on social media show volunteers carrying injured victims away as a crowd gathers at the purported blast site.
Mangled motorcycles and burned vegetables can be seen strewn across the road.
Balochistan's Chief Minister, Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo, condemned the blast and ordered authorities to take all necessary actions to arrest the culprits.
"Those who shed the blood of innocent people are enemies of humanity," he said.
"Terrorists are creating uncertainty to achieve their evil goals. But we won’t allow anti-state elements to succeed," the minister stated, promising that the government would come up with a successful counter-terrorism strategy.
Bizenjo also directed officials to provide the best medical care to injured persons and prayed for the high ranks of the deceased.
In recent months, the Balochistan province has seen an increase in violent incidents, including bombings and targeted attacks, generating heightened security and public safety concerns.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the blast and asked the chief minister for a report.
