PMDC project manager killed, driver injured in Quetta IED blast.

QUETTA -- Project manager of the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC) was killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast targeting his vehicle in Quetta on Sunday, according to the police.

Quetta Senior Superintendent of Police (Operations) Jawad Tariq confirmed the incident, saying the deceased was identified as Shabat Mirza, project manager PMDC.

He informed the PMDC officer was heading towards to Sor Range in a car along with his driver Muhammad Zakir, when the IED exploded. Resultantly, Mirza was killed on the spot while the driver sustained critical injuries and was immediately taken to Quetta Civil Hospital Trauma Centre.

'According to initial investigation, explosives were fitted on the roadside,' the police official stated, adding that the Counter-Terrorism Department had cordoned off the blast site and started collecting evidence.

Sor Range is located in a mountainous region, Tariq said, adding that CTD officials were also questioning locals for further information.

Today's blast comes amid a recent uptick in acts of terrorism in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Last month, at least 59 people were killed in a deadly suicide bombing at a procession celebrating the birth of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) on 12 Rabiul Awwal in Mastung.

Following the ghastly attack, the Balochistan government had announced an 'all-out war' against terrorists in the province.

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