Multan: A powerful explosion broke out in a procession of Shia Muslims in central Pakistan on Thursday, injuring at least 30 people, eyewitnesses and a Shia leader said. There were unconfirmed reports of deaths among the victims.
Videos going viral on social media showed police and ambulances running towards the blast site. Several injured people were seen waiting for help on the side of the road in the deeply conservative city of Bahawalnagar in the east Punjab Province where the attack took place.
Khawaro, a Shia leader Shafqatconfirmed the bombing in a statement but did not provide any further details.
No government officials or police officials were available for comment, as officials suspended mobile phone service nationwide a day earlier. ashura Festivals.
The annual commemoration commemorates the 7th century death of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson hussain, one of the Shias IslamDearest Saint.
For Shia, the memory of Hussein is an emotional event that sees many believers weep over his death in the Battle of Karbala in present-day Iraq. During Ashura processions held around the world, many participants beat their backs with chains, flagging themselves in a symbolic expression of regret for not being able to help Hussein before his martyrdom.
According to Shafqat, the blast took place when a procession of Shia Muslims was passing through a crowded area. muhajir colony. He condemned the attack and asked the government to tighten security in processions being taken out in other parts of the country as well.
Major Sunni Muslims are the Shia minority in Pakistan, where extremist Sunni Muslims see them as apostates deserving of death.
Videos going viral on social media showed police and ambulances running towards the blast site. Several injured people were seen waiting for help on the side of the road in the deeply conservative city of Bahawalnagar in the east Punjab Province where the attack took place.
Khawaro, a Shia leader Shafqatconfirmed the bombing in a statement but did not provide any further details.
No government officials or police officials were available for comment, as officials suspended mobile phone service nationwide a day earlier. ashura Festivals.
The annual commemoration commemorates the 7th century death of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson hussain, one of the Shias IslamDearest Saint.
For Shia, the memory of Hussein is an emotional event that sees many believers weep over his death in the Battle of Karbala in present-day Iraq. During Ashura processions held around the world, many participants beat their backs with chains, flagging themselves in a symbolic expression of regret for not being able to help Hussein before his martyrdom.
According to Shafqat, the blast took place when a procession of Shia Muslims was passing through a crowded area. muhajir colony. He condemned the attack and asked the government to tighten security in processions being taken out in other parts of the country as well.
Major Sunni Muslims are the Shia minority in Pakistan, where extremist Sunni Muslims see them as apostates deserving of death.
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