Bomb Explodes In East Pakistan Market, 3 Dead, 20 Injured

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JAKARTA - A bomb blast hit a busy market in East Pakistan on Thursday, killing three people. According to local police, the bomb also injured 20 people.

"This was a bomb explosion," police spokesman Arif Rana told Reuters.

A nine-year-old boy was among the three who died.

In a text message sent to Reuters reporters, a newly formed separatist group based in the southwest province of Balochistan claimed responsibility.

The group said a bank was the target of the attack. Police said they were carrying out an investigation, saying it was too early to link the blast to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Twenty 20 cricket tournament which was due to kick off in about a week's time.

Balochistan separatists have launched a low-key insurgency against the Pakistani government to demand a greater share of the local, mineral-rich resources.

They usually attack government interests or Chinese projects in the province bordering Afghanistan and Iran, but attacks in cities like Lahore are rare.

China is involved in developing the Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea and other projects in the province as part of the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which is part of Beijing's Belt and Road initiative.