Pakistan : 4 dead, over 35 injured in blast

 Islamabad, March 8 : An explosion in Pakistan’s Sibi district of Balochistan killed at least four people and injured more than 35 on Tuesday during President Arif Alvi’s trip to the city, reports in the local press said. The blast occurred near an open area where the annual Sibi Mela was being held. The blast took place reportedly during President Arif Alvi’s visit to the Mela, said a report by The Express Tribune. According to police, evidence is being collected and an initial investigation to determine the nature of the blast is being conducted. Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo strongly condemned the blast and directed authorities to provide the best possible medical treatment to those injured in the explosion. Directing the police to strengthen security in Sibi and arrest those involved in the incident, Bizenjo said the blast was an attempt to sabotage the annual festival and overall peace in the province. Last week, a blast occurred during Friday prayers at a mosque in the Qissa Khwani bazaar area in Peshawar, killing at least 57 worshippers and wounding 194 others. MYK RKM