Attacks kill over 100 in Pakistan

Over 100 people have been killed and many others injured in a wave of deadly attacks targeting both security guards and civilians, including Shia Muslims, in Pakistan.

On Thursday, at least 90 people were killed in three separate bomb blasts in Quetta, the capital city of southwestern Balochistan province.

The first explosion took place near a paramilitary checkpoint in a busy commercial area.

“According to our information, 11 people were killed and 27 injured in the blast,” said Quetta police chief, Mir Zubair Mehmood. “We will be able to tell you after some time what kind of device it was, but it was a crowded place.”

Hours later, over 80 lost their lives and at least 121 others were wounded in twin blasts outside a snooker club.

“The death toll has risen to 81 so far. Nine police personnel, including two officers, have lost their lives,” Mehmood added.

According to senior police officer, Hamid Shakil, the twin blasts occurred about 10 minutes apart from each other in the city in late evening.

Police officer Mohammed Murtaza said the second explosion caused the building to collapse, adding that many of the dead and wounded were Shia Muslims.

A separate blast in Mingora in the northwestern province of Swat also claimed the lives of 21 people and left over 60 others wounded. The attack took place during a religious gathering. Officials say the toll of Mingora blast could rise.

Thousands of Pakistanis have lost their lives in bombings and other attacks since 2001, when Pakistan joined an alliance with the United States in Washington’s so-called war on terror.

Since late 2009, there has been a surge in militant attacks in Pakistan. Thousands have been displaced by the wave of violence and militancy sweeping the country.

Anti-Shias militant groups have been engaged in a violent campaign against Shias over the past few years.

Hundreds of Shia Muslims were killed across Pakistan last year. The attacks targeted many doctors, engineers, high-ranking government officials, teachers, and politicians.

MAM/HN