Police said terrorists attacked Bether Memorial Methodist church when the Sunday prayer was being held.

At least 8 people were killed and 16 injured when two terrorists wearing suicide vests attacked a church in Quetta on Sunday. Home Minister Sarfraz Bugti said one terrorist was killed at the gate while the other blew himself inside the church premises causing the casualties but prevented from reaching the prayer hall. Both terrorists also opened indiscriminate firing but were engaged by police.

Police said terrorists attacked Bethel Memorial Methodist church when the Sunday prayer was being held. There were at least 400 people present at the church. "Security personnel acted swiftly to foil the attack and kill the terrorists. Unfortunately one terrorist blew himself up which resulted in the loss of life," he told media.

People attending the church were rescued by the police. The injured include women and children. Christian MPA Anita Irfan condemned the attack and praised security forces for swift action.

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and leaders of political parties condemned the attack.

Security was beefed up in the city earlier this week following intelligence reports that terrorist may target.

No stranger to such attacks

Quetta is the provincial capital of Balochistan province. The city has witnessed recent several attacks in the past two years. This was the fifth attack this year.

In October, eight people including seven policemen were killed in a terrorist attack.

Islamic State or Daesh has claimed responsibility of the attack on social media.

Authorities in Pakistan have expressed their concern over the presence of IS in Afghanistan near Pakistan border. Interior Ministry last month issued directives to security forces to strengthen security of borders following reports that some IS terrorists had entered Pakistan.