Balochistan blast: Death toll rises to 128

Mastung (Balochistan) [Pakistan], July 13 (ANI): The death toll in Balochistan blast that took place on Friday has risen to 128.

The blast targetted at a convoy of Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) leader Nawabzada Siraj Raisani in Mastung in Balochistan province.

Provincial caretaker Home Minister Agha Umar Bangalzai confirmed the death toll and said that more than 120 people were wounded in the blast, reported Geo TV.

The Islamic State, also known by its Arabic acronym Da'ish, claimed responsibility of the attack, according to the group's Amaq agency.

Raisani's convoy was attacked after the BAP party workers attended a corner meeting for provincial assembly seat PB-35. Raisani is the younger brother of former Balochistan chief minister Mohammad Aslam Khan Raisani.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mastung Qaim Lashari was quoted by Geo TV saying that the injured were shifted to nearby hospitals and are investigating. Additional medical staffs have been deputed in all Quetta hospitals, as an emergency has been declared.

This was the second attack on Friday targetting candidates ahead of the July 25 general elections in Pakistan.

Earlier, at least four people were killed and dozens of others were injured in an explosion in Bannu in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The bomb exploded near the rally of Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam (F)'s Akram Khan Durrani, who is contesting election against Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan. Durrani escaped the attack unhurt, Geo News quoted Regional Police Officer (RPO) Bannu Karim Khan, as saying. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI