12 dead in suicide blast at Balochistan shrine

At least 12 people were killed and eight injured in a suicide blast at a shrine in Balochistan's Jhal Magsi, police said.

Deputy Commissioner Asadullah Kakar said 12 people have died in the blast while Balochistan spokesman Anwarul Haq Kakar confirmed it was a suicide attack, Geo News reported.

"Urs was underway when the shrine was attacked," said the provincial government spokesman.

The blast took place at Fatehpur Dargah. According to police, the suicide attacker tried to enter the shrine and blew himself up when he was stopped by the police.

At least two policemen were also injured in the blast. The injured are being transferred to DHQ hospital for treatment.

The Balochistan Home Minister said he has received news of the blast and instructed authorities to respond immediately.

Security forces reached the spot and cordoned off the area after the blast.

The local administration declared an emergency at hospitals in Sibbi and Dera Murad Jamali.

The shrine is located four kilometres away from the city.

Earlier in November 2016, at least 52 people including women and children were killed and more than 100 injured in a suicide blast in Shah Noorani shrine near Hub in Balochistan's Lasbella district.

--IANS

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