There is news of 52 people killed in a massive explosion in Pakistan.

The blast occurred on Friday, September 29, 2023, near a mosque in Pakistan's Balochistan province where people had gathered to celebrate the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad.

Police suspect that it was a suicide attack to target a religious gathering in Mastung city.

Mastung District Health Officer Rashid Muhammad Saeed confirmed that at least 52 people were killed and dozens injured in the blast near Madina Mosque on Al Falah Road in Mastung district.

DSP Nawaz Gashguri is also among the dead. According to Atta al-Munaim, assistant commissioner of Mastung, the blast occurred near the city's Madina Mosque, where people were gathering to celebrate Eid al-Milad al-Nabi.

Police say that the injured have been admitted to two hospitals. Two police officers from Mastung Shah confirmed the death toll to BBC News.

Sarfaraz Bugti, the Home Minister of Pakistan's Balochistan province, described the blast as a "disgusting act".

Many videos available on social media show that rescue workers and local people are trying to save the injured.

No group has yet taken responsibility for this attack.

People had to gather from Madina Mosque and join the procession. Atta al-Munaim had initially said that at least six people had been killed in the blast.

Balochistan's acting Chief Minister Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki has condemned the blast at the procession in Mastung and ordered an investigation into the incident.

The statement issued by him said that "disruptive elements do not deserve any concession and those targeting peaceful processions will be dealt with strictly."

On the other hand, Acting Information Minister John Achakzai has announced three days of mourning in the entire province.

Balochistan government's acting information minister John Achakzai has said that emergency has been imposed in Quetta hospitals after the Mastung blast.

He said that on the instructions of the Balochistan government, a rescue team has been sent to Mastung and the seriously injured are being sent to Quetta.

According to Information Minister John Achakzai, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki has directed the arrest of those responsible for the blast.

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