QUETTA: The Deputy Commissioner, Lasbela, has started investigations into the “bomb blast” near Sonmiani beach on Friday [May 22]. The bomb blast had killed two unidentified men and injured five persons. … The condition of three was stated [to be] grave. The “bomb” was picked up by a labourer who thought it was a souvenir, and brought it to a roadside hotel where some people tried to break it. While doing so, the bomb exploded, causing casualties. Two persons were reduced to pieces due to the impact of the bomb.

The Deputy Commissioner is likely to make an announcement some time today. Meanwhile, Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research committee yesterday in a statement clarified that the impression that the incident took place in SUPARCO area at Sonmiani was not correct. The alleged incident did not take place in SUPARCO premises at Sonmiani, nor was it related in any way to the activities of SUPARCO, the statement said.

[Meanwhile, as reported by an agency in Karachi,] The 15-million dollar credit announced by the International Development Association to Pakistan on Wednesday [May 20] will finance a microwave route from Karachi to Rawalpindi. … [and] cables needed to complete the installation of 1,75,000 telephones.

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2020