QUETTA: Three people were killed and over a dozen reportedly injured after an improvised explosive device (IED) went off outside a local restaurant in Balochistan’s industrial city— Hub—Sunday night.

Police sources said the device was placed in a motorcycle parked outside the restaurant and targeted President Mamnoon Hussain's son's convoy. The president's son, Salman, who remained unhurt, frequently visits a cattle farm in Hub, said sources.

The injured, which include several police officials, were immediately rushed to Hub Hospital for medical treatment. Sources said seven policemen have now been shifted to Karachi's Civil Hospital and are in a stable condition.

According to sources, the blast was so loud it was heard in distant areas of the city. Glass windows of nearby shops were shattered after the explosion as panic spread among local residents.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.

Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch condemned the blast and announced free medical treatment for those wounded.

Insurgency-hit Balochistan has been frequented with militant attacks and has been a subject of several army operations over the years.

Just last month the government said it would enhance the military operation in Balochistan after 20 labourers were gunned down in Turbat. Army chief General Raheel Sharif had also vowed to stand by the people of Balochistan in bringing peace, stability and prosperity to the province.