QUETTA, Feb 7: A security guard of a bank was injured and over 20 shops and buildings were damaged when a powerful bomb exploded in the main Liaquat road area late on Tuesday night.

“It was a big blast. The bomb was planted beneath the power generator of a private bank,” DIG (operations) Nazir Kurd said.

The generator installed outside the bank caught fire after the blast but was brought under control after 30 minutes.

The security guard received minor injuries because he was inside the bank.

Windowpanes of several nearby houses and buildings were smashed by the impact of the powerful explosion, which was heard in the entire provincial capital.

Power supply to the entire area was suspended after the blast damaged a high transmission line.

Soon after the blast, police and other security personnel rushed to the area, along with rescue teams, and started investigation.

Bomb disposal squad collected evidence.

“It appears to be a terrorist act,” DIG Kurd said, adding that about 10kg explosives were used in the blast. “Late night and severe cold saved the people from becoming target of the blast as markets were closed early in the evening,” he said.

No-one has claimed responsibility for the blast till late in the night.