Bakhth Muhammad Kakar, the health minister of Balochistan province, announced that at least 15 people were killed and 38 others wounded in a suicide bombing last night near a gathering of the Balochistan National Party in Quetta.
The attack took place immediately after the party’s assembly marking the anniversary of its late leader, Attaullah Mengal.
Sardar Akhtar Mengal, the current head of the Balochistan National Party, along with other senior leaders, escaped unharmed.
According to local officials, the suicide bomber detonated his explosive vest in the parking area as participants were leaving for their homes.
The remains of the attacker have been sent to a forensic laboratory for examination.
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif both expressed sorrow over the incident.
Sharif stressed: “Terrorists are the enemies of peace and development in Balochistan, and targeting innocent civilians is a cowardly act.”
