Three policemen were martyred and at least 16 others were injured on Tuesday morning as a blast targeted a vehicle of the Balochistan Constabulary in the Mastung district, officials said. The Balochistan Constabulary is part of the provincial police, according to the latter’s website. Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind, in a statement, said that a vehicle carrying policemen from Kalat was targeted with an improvised explosive device (IED).

“Three jawaan (personnel) of the Balochistan Constabulary were martyred in the blast,” Rind stated. He added that 16 others were injured due to the explosion, out of whom two were in a serious condition. However, Mastung Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Younas Magsi put the number of those injured at 18. All wounded cops have been shifted to a hospital while those seriously injured were being taken to Quetta, about 50 kilometres away from Mastung, according to Rind.

He added that an investigation report on the incident has been sought.The Balochistan Constabulary officials were deployed at a sit-in by the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), the spokesperson said. The BNP-M’s sit-in at Mastung against the arrests of Baloch activists entered its 19th day today. Just on the second day of their protest, BNP-M chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal and others had remained unhurt after a suicide blast near their rally.

This is a developing story that is being updated as the situation evolves. Initial reports in the media can sometimes be inaccurate. We will strive to ensure timeliness and accuracy by relying on credible sources, such as concerned, qualified authorities and our staff reporters.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)