Balochistan chief minister escapes bid on life (Second Lead)

ISLAMABAD - The chief minister of Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province escaped an attempt on his life Tuesday when a suicide blast targeted his cavalcade in capital Quetta, killing at least one person and injuring nine others.

The blast was carried out when the cavalcade of Chief Minister Aslam Raisani was passing through Saryab Road in Quetta, Geo TV reported.

The vehicle of the chief minister passed moments before the blast while the vehicles of his security personnel were damaged in the blast, it said.

“The apparent target was the chief minister’s entourage but the suicide bomber missed the target,” capital city police officer Abid Nutkani said.

“At least three kg of explosive materials were used in the blast and the injured mostly included police guards,” he said.

Balochistan Governor Zulfiqar Magsi escaped a similar attempt a few days ago when a timer device exploded a few minutes after his cavalcade had passed.

The security situation in the restive Balochistan province, neighbouring Afghanistan and Iran, has been on the boil as Pakistan’s security forces are engaged in a crackdown against militant outfits and Baloch nationalists to restore law and order.