Pakistan: An explosion occurred nearby Jail Road in Bahawalnagar, Aug. 19

Event

An explosion occurred around Jail Road and Jamia Masjid in Mohajir Colony in Bahawalnagar, Punjab Province, Aug. 19. Unconfirmed reports state that the incident took place near an Ashura procession, killing at least one person and injuring at least 25 others. The cause and the timing of the explosion are unclear. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Authorities will probably maintain heightened security measures, including deploying additional personnel and setting up cordons, at the explosion site in the coming hours as police investigate the incident. Localized traffic and business disruptions are likely.

Bahawalnagar is around 170 km (106 miles) east-southwest of Multan.

Advice

Avoid the area until authorities give the all-clear. Heed all security personnel instructions. Allow additional travel time to destinations in the vicinity.