10 Shias killed in 2 blasts in Pakistan

At least 10 Pakistani Shia Muslims have been killed and dozens injured in two explosions in the volatile Balochistan Province in the west of the country, police say.

A police official said the first explosion took place close to girls’ high school in the Hazara Town area of the provincial capital city of Quetta on Saturday, leaving five Shias dead.

The explosion was followed by shooting in the area, which forced the people to flee.

According to police officials, at least 17 people have been also wounded. 

At least five other people were reported dead and nine injured when the second bombing hit the northwestern region of Kohat. The blast took place when a remote-controlled device exploded in a passenger van.  

No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks yet.

The outlawed Pakistani terrorist group, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, has launched attacks and bombings against Shia Muslims and Hazara community in Quetta in the past. 

On Thursday, seven people were killed and at least 11 others wounded when an explosive device hit a passenger bus outside the city of Peshawar. Most passengers in the bus were Shias. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

Pro-Taliban militants have also carried out numerous attacks against Pakistani security forces and civilians.

AR/KA/SS