Blast in southwestern Pakistan kills five, one injured

Pakistani flag in Lahore, Pakistan, August 12, 2015.
Reuters

At least five people were killed and one injured in an explosion on Thursday in Chaman, a town in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province near the Afghan border, local media report.

Police officer Abdullah Cheema said the blast occurred close to a taxi stand. Emergency services, including police and rescue teams, were dispatched to the scene.

The Balochistan Home Department confirmed an investigation has been launched to determine the cause and nature of the explosion. “The scene of the incident has been secured by law enforcement agencies. Evidence collection and investigative procedures are ongoing,” it said.

Authorities have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to cooperate with security forces.

The incident comes two days after another explosion in Balochistan killed five soldiers. The province has seen ongoing security challenges amid militancy along its border with Iran and Afghanistan.

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