22 killed in attack on pilgrims' bus in Pakistan

At least 22 people were killed and scores of others wounded when a bus carrying pilgrims was attacked by militants of the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) group in Pakistan's southwest province of Balochistan Tuesday evening, authorities said.

The bus was travelling from Taftan town to the provincial capital Quetta when the blast took place in the Dareen Gah area of Mastung district, Geo TV reported.

Home Secretary Asad Gilani said 80-100 kg of explosives were used in the attack in which three other vehicles were also destroyed. The bus caught fire following the blast as security forces cordoned off the area.

The attack has been condemned by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Mamnoon Hussain. Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Malik has ordered a probe into the attack.

The attack has also been condemned by the Majils-e-Wahadat-e-Muslimeen and the Hazara Democratic Party. Shia organisations have announced three days of mourning.