100 killed in Lal Shahbaz Qalandar’s shrine explosion: Pak media reports

New Delhi [India]: At least 100 people were killed in the blast at Lal Shahbaz Qalandar’s shrine in Sindh’s Sehwan town on Thursday.

“DSP Sehwan says the death toll from attack at Lal Shahbaz Qalandar’s shrine now stands at around 100. #Pakistan #Sehwan #Sindh #TTP #LEJ,” tweeted Karachi Post.

However, there are conflicting reports about the number of casualties

According to Dawn News, at least 50 people have been killed and scores injured in the suicide attack so far though the death toll is expected to rise.

The Assistant Superintendent of Police in Sehwan said a suicide bomber entered the shrine through its Golden gate.

The attacker blew himself up after throwing a grenade, which failed to explode, he said.

The explosion took place in the area where dhamaal (a Sufi ritual) was being performed after evening prayers.

A large number of devotees, from across the country, frequented the shrine on Thursdays as it is a popular day to visit Sufi shrines.

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa has also directed that immediate assistance be provided to civil authorities.

Army contingents have been dispatched along with medical personnel.

The shrine is dedicated to Syed Muhammad Usman Marwandia, a 12th century Sufi who was born in Marwand, present day Afghanistan.

The famous ‘Dama Dam Mast Qalandar’ song was composed in the honour of this Sufi mystic popularly known as Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. (ANI)