Three killed in blast in Pakistan

At least three persons were killed and 27 others injured today in a bomb blast targeting a paramilitary vehicle in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province.
The incident occurred in Seerat Chowk of Khuzdar city in Balochistan province where Baloch nationalists are active, police official Muhammad Anwar said.
"Suspected militants targeted the vehicle through an improvised explosive device in which three persons have been killed and 27 others injured including Frontier Corps personnel," Anwar said, adding that condition of six of those injured is critical.
Anwar said most of the injured were civilians who were in the market at that time.
Nobody claimed responsibility of the attack but Baloch separatists often target the security forces in the area.

Khuzdar is already on high alert due to Youm-i-Ali falling on Sunday when Shia Muslims take out large processions to mark the occasion.

The government has placed police and paramilitary troops on alert for the eve of Youm-i-Ali in Quetta and other parts of the province.
Balochistan is a mineral rich region and nationalists are fighting for control over the natural wealth.
They accuse the federal government for stealing the minerals and keeping the region impoverished.