The blast took place at about 9:30 a.m. when a bomb fixed on a motorbike went off near a public gathering held by Awami National Party (ANP) in Kuchlak, a small town some 20 km away from Quetta.

The injured people includes a child, ANP  provincial president Oragnzaib Kasi and his wife Meher Orangzaib Kasi and several others.

ANP leader Malik Qasim was also seriously wounded, who later died.

According to our correspondent, at least six vehicles and several shops near the blast site were also damaged.

Firing was heard following the blast, said reports.

Security forces and rescue team have rushed to the site shortly after the blast was reported. All the injured have been shifted to hospital in Quetta.

After the blast, the area was cordoned off and shops were closed down in Quetta.