Bomb explodes in Pakistan market, at least 16 dead

A powerful bomb ripped through a marketplace Friday morning in southwestern Pakistan, killing at least 16 people and wounding 30 others.

Police officials said an explosive device planted in a shop caused the blast in a Shiite Muslim dominated part of Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan province, and members of the minority community were among the victims.

Investigations have been launched into the attack to determine motive, said Abdul Razzaq Cheema, the deputy inspector general of police.

There were no immediate claims of responsibly for the violence in the Hazarganji market area, which has experienced such attacks in the past.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan condemned Friday’s attack.

Separatist Baluch militants and extremists loyal to outlawed Pakistani Taliban and Islamic State terrorist outfits are active in Baluchistan. They routinely claim responsibly for attacks in against security forces and civilians, including the Shiite Hazara community. The province borders Afghanistan and allegedly has sheltered fighters linked to the Afghan Taliban.