In a piece of sad news, at least two people were killed and 59 injured in an explosion today. The incident happened during an Ashura procession in Bahawalnagar on Thursday.
Punjab Home Minister Raja Basharat said a man hurled a grenade at a procession near Jamia Masjid in Muhajir Colony. The incident happened at around 10am, said a Dawn report. Meanwhile, the attacker is now in police custody.
Basharat said two of the injured were in critical condition and undergoing treatment at Victoria Hospital in Bahawalpur.
Rangers are in the area. Meanwhile, further investigation is underway, he added.
WARNING: Some viewers may find the content of this video disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised.
Earlier, videos circulating on social media showed police and ambulances rushing towards the site of the incident. They also showed wounded citizens waiting for help by the roadside.
Shia leader Khawar Shafqat told the Associated Press that the explosion went off while the procession was passing through the city’s Muhajir Colony neighborhood.
He condemned the attack and urged the government to further step up security at Ashura processions, underway in the country.
Here’s what happened?
WARNING: Some viewers may find the content of this video disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised.
Communications in the area were difficult. Why? Because authorities had suspended mobile phone service across the country during the Ashura for security reasons.
Senator Sehar Kamran also issued a condemnation. Kamran called it a “cracker attack” and prayed for the recovery of the injured.
Mourners are taking out processions country-wide amid tight security arrangements today. They are commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (A.S) on Muharram 10.
Story Credits: Dawn
What do you think of this story? Let us know in the comments section below.
