At least five people have been killed and one injured after an explosion on Thursday in Chaman, a town in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province near the Afghanistan 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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