The caretaker government of Balochistan on Friday announced a three-day mourning period after a suspected suicide bombing resulted in the killing of at least 20 people including a high-ranking police official during an Eid Miladun Nabi procession in Balochistan’s Mastung.

“The purpose of mourning is to express solidarity with the families of the martyrs. During the three-day mourning period, the national flag will remain at half-mast on government buildings,” caretaker information minister of Balochistan Jan Achakzaid wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

At least 20 were martyred including a DSP when a suspected suicide bomber blew himself up during an Eid Miladun Nabi procession at Al Falah Road in Mastung city earlier.

Assistant Commissioner of Mastung Atta ul Muneem confirmed it was a suicide blast. He said that the suicide bomber blew himself up next to DSP Mohammad Nawaz Ghishkori’s vehicle.

People were set to participate in the procession after gathering at the site near the mosque when the explosion rocked the area, Muneem added.

Mastung’s SHO Javed Lehri said that the powerful blast occurred when people had gathered near the Madina Mosque for Eid Miladun Nabi procession, he added.

People across the country are celebrating Eid Miladun Nabi, the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), with great religious zeal and fervour on Friday, September 29.

The day began with a 21-gun salute at the federal capital and 21 21-gun salute at all the provincial capitals.

Special prayers for the unity of the Muslim Ummah and the progress and prosperity of the country were offered in the mosques after Fajr prayers.