Funerals and strike in Balochistan as three-day mourning begins

Pakistani police officers and local residents gather on Jan 10, 2013 at the site of a bomb blast that targeted paramilitary soldiers in a commercial area in Quetta, Pakistan. A series of bombings in different parts of Pakistan killed 115 people on Thursday in one of the deadliest days in the country in recent years. — Photo by AP/File

QUETTA: On a day of bereavement and grief, Chief Minister of Balochistan Aslam Raisani announced a three-day mourning period in the province on Friday, following the huge loss of life and devastation caused by three blasts.

In addition, a strike was also being observed in Quetta against the deadly car and bomb blasts, which claimed at least 102 lives.

Many political and religious parties said they would hold protests against the deadly blasts, while all commercial and business centres remained closed early Friday.

Eight platoons of the Frontier Corps were also deployed at various locations in the city to maintain law and order.

Many of the victims’ funerals would be held at different graveyards across the city, it was reported.

A cameraman from Samaa television, who was killed in Thursday’s blast, was buried in the Railway graveyard. His funeral was attended by a large number of people.

Prayers for the health of those injured in the blasts also continued in different parts of the city.

Other cities and towns of Balochistan are also participating in the mourning for the large number of lives lost in yesterday’s blasts. Journalists in Balochistan’s Hub area have announced a protest after Friday prayers.