53 Muslims martyred in Pakistan blast

A bomb explosion at a Muslim rally in Pakistan’s southwestern region has killed at least 53 people as violence continues to sweep the South-Asian country.

The attack targeted a rally in support of Palestinian struggle against Israel, marking the international Quds day in the city of Quetta, Press TV correspondent reported.

Over 197 people have been reported injured in the fatal attack as well.

Around 3,000 people were participating in the rally when the blast occurred, the report added.

The injured people are being shifted to local hospitals as rescue work started in blast site.

The death toll is expected to rise as some of the injured are reported in critical condition. No person or group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Quetta has seen several bomb attacks over the past couple of years.

The blast comes after three bombs went off in quick succession during a crowded mourning procession in eastern city of Lahore on Wednesday.

Nearly 40 people were killed and 300 more were injured in the carnage. The attacks came as Muslims were marking the martyrdom of the first Imam, Ali Ibn-Abi Taleb (PBUH).

Pro-Taliban groups have launched a violent campaign against Muslims, and they appear to widen their terror campaign in major Pakistani cities.

Several religious gatherings have been targeted in different parts of the country over the past few months.

Since the 1980s, thousands of people have been killed in sectarian-related incidents in Pakistan.