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Suicide blast kills 7, injures 21 in SW Pakistan - officials

ISLAMABAD, Feb 17 (KUNA) -- At least seven people, including three security personnel, were killed in a suicide blast in Quetta city of Pakistanآ’s southwestern Balochistan province on Monday, said officials.
Balochistan government spokesman, Liaqat Shahwani in a statement to media said that an explosion near the Quetta Press Club located on Shahrah-i-Adalat took place at a time when a demonstration was ongoing near the press club.
The suicide bomber was reportedly coming from Sharea Iqbal when he reached near a security protection provided to the demonstrators near the Quetta Press Club. The police personnel tried to stop him but he exploded himself hitting the police vehicle.
Deputy Inspector-General Quetta Abdul Razzaq Cheema confirmed that 21 people also received injuries in the blast. The injured were immediately shifted to the nearest medical facility where three of them were reported to be in critical condition.
A number of vehicles were badly damaged and scores of buildingsآ’ window panes also shattered in the blast.
No group has so far claimed responsibility for the blast.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan has strongly condemned the suicide blast in Quetta. In a statement, the Prime Minister expressed deep grief and sorrow over loss of previous human lives in the blast.
Balochistan Governor Amanullah Khan Yasinzai condemned the blast saying, "such a cowardly attack can't weaken the morale of the nation and the security forces." Earlier last month, a blast inside a mosque in Quetta's Satellite Town area during Friday prayers claimed 15 lives and left 19 people injured. (end) sbk.mt