Blast kills 3 policemen in SW Pakistan, official says

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - At least three policemen were killed and over two dozen injured in an explosion in southwest Pakistan on Wednesday, an official said.

The blast that targeted a police van in a busy street, occurred in Quetta, the capital of southwestern Balochistan province, Bushra Rindh, a provincial government spokeswoman, said.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Rind said the deceased included a deputy superintendent of police, whereas 25 people were injured in the explosion.

The nature of the blast, she said, is being ascertained.

Footage aired on local broadcaster Dawn News showed giant flames billowing upwards as firefighters struggled to douse the fire on the site.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.

Condemning the terrorist attack, Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo said the government and the people of the province would not be “cowed down by these cowardly attacks.”

The large Balochistan province, which is also considered to cover parts of neighboring Iran and Afghanistan, is strategically important due to its rich copper, zinc, and natural gas reserves.