QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri on Monday announced formation of a joint investigation team (JIT), headed by Khuzdar Deputy Commissioner Sohailur Rehman, to probe the Shah Noorani Shrine suicide bombing.

The bombing left 54 people dead and 103 others injured.

Official sources said that the chief minister presided over a high-level meeting in Karachi on Monday in which Home Minister Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti and Chief Secretary Saifullah Chattah submitted reports following their visits to the shrine.

In the light of reports, it was decided that a team of forensic experts would be invited from Punjab to visit the shrine and collect evidence of the suicide attack.

Mr Zehri directed all divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners to take strict measures for security of all places of worship and shrines in their areas.

The meeting decided to convene a meeting of all commissioners, deputy commissioners and DIGs in the province soon to take measures to prevent such incidents in future.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Bugti visited the shrine and said that forensic teams of Punjab would reach Balochistan within two days to investigate the carnage.

He said the head of the suicide attacker had already been sent to forensic experts.

“We cannot say anything about the identity of the suicide bomber as we are still waiting for the report of forensic experts,” he said.

He said the shrine had been closed for one month to complete investigation, adding that now the Auqaf department would look after different matters of the shrine.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2016