The Balochistan government has announced three days of mourning in the province following the Quetta Railway Station blast, which killed at least 27 people and injured more than 50 people.

“The Government of Balochistan shall observe three days mourn from November 11 to 13 [Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday], on the tragic incident of suicide blast taken place at Quetta Railway Station on November 9,” a provincial government press release said on Sunday.

A powerful explosion rocked the area near the railway station in Quetta on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of 27 individuals and injuring more than 50 others, including both men and women.

Pools of blood and ripped backpacks were seen at the scene, where a large metal sheet protecting passengers from the elements had been blown off.

Initial reports said that the attacker was carrying seven to eight kilogrammes of explosives strapped to his body.

In addition to the mourning, the national flag would fly at half-mast throughout the province during the three days.

Funeral prayers for the martyred citizens and passengers in the blast were offered in the Quetta Garrison. Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail and Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, provincial ministers and a large number of military and civilian officials attended the funeral.

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COAS Munir said that terrorism would never be tolerated and reaffirmed nation’s resolve and commitment towards eradicating the menace. He emphasised that “this mission will be pursued with full national resolve and collective determination.”

The army chief added that the fight against terrorism required the “steadfast support of all Pakistanis, along with the efforts of the military and civil institutions,” to secure a peaceful and prosperous future for the country.

Earlier in the day, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti decided to expand the intelligence-based operations in the province.