Bombing near political gathering in Pakistan results in 13 fatalities due to suicide attack

In the heart of Balochistan province, a bomb explosion outside a stadium during a nationalist party rally has claimed the lives of at least 13 people and left 30 others wounded. The attack, which occurred near a graveyard close to the stadium, was carried out by the Islamic State (IS) militant terrorist group, according to authorities.

The tragic incident took place during a gathering of the Balochistan National Party (BNP) members, who were commemorating the death anniversary of Sardar Ataullah Mengal, a former provincial chief minister. Fortunately, the BNP's leader, Akhtar Mengal, was unharmed in the attack.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti swiftly condemned the bombing and ordered a high-level probe to find the perpetrators. He also ensured the best possible medical care for the wounded. Usama Ameen, a senior police officer, confirmed the information.

The insurgency in Balochistan has primarily targeted security forces and workers from Punjab province. However, this attack appears to have been a direct response to Mengal's vocal criticism of the government and his demands for the release of missing Baloch nationalists.

The Islamic State (IS) has not yet made a claim of responsibility for the attack. This incident, though, follows a pattern of violence in the region, with most previous attacks being claimed by the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) group.

Pakistan's government and Bugti have frequently accused India of backing insurgents in Balochistan. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi denounced the attack, joining Bugti in his condemnation of the bombing. Mohsin Naqvi also blamed "India-backed terrorists" for the attack.

Some of Akhtar Mengal's supporters were among the dead and wounded. The body parts of the attacker were recovered, but no immediate claim of responsibility has been made.

As the investigation continues, the people of Balochistan and the nation as a whole mourn the loss of life and hope for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing insurgency in the region.

Bombing near political gathering in Pakistan results in 13 fatalities due to suicide attack