11 killed in Pakistan blast (Third Lead)

Islamabad June 23 (IANS) At least 11 people were killed and over 20 injured in a blast in Pakistan s Quetta city police said.

The explosion occurred at around 9 a.m. near Balochistan province s Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ehsan Mehboob s office on Gulistan Road where important government offices are located

A suicide bomber was driving a car full of explosives towards the IGP s office and when he was stopped at the check post the explosion occurred The Nation quoted a police statement as saying.

According to a senior health official the victims included three police officers and one traffic warden.

The injured were shifted to Quetta s Civil Hospital. Four including a 10-year-old girl are said to in critical condition.

An eyewitness told The Nation I was two minutes away from the scene when I heard a loud explosion. The intensity was so severe that when the dust settled a victim s leg was near me.

Balochistan government spokesman Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar said that there were intelligence reports that an attack would take place near Eid.

It s possible the IGP office was the target or the assailants were trying to enter the (Army) cantonment which is close by he said.

No group has claimed responsibility so far.

--IANS
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