Multan, Aug 29: A pickup truck carrying paramilitary troops on a patrol in a lawless tribal region of southwestern Pakistan hit a land mine, wounding four soldiers, police said today. The explosion occurred late yesterday near Najo Leghari in Sui area, about 400 kilometers west of Multan, said Shabbir Khoso, a Deputy Superintendent of Police in the nearby town of Kandhkot.

There was no claim of responsibility but Khoso blamed tribesmen for involvement. No arrests were reported. Pakistan's key gas pipeline passes through the region and tribesmen are often accused of attacking the facility to press the government for concessions.


The Frontier Constabulary troops, a paramilitary force that mostly recruits tribesmen, have been deployed in Sui to provide security for the pipeline. Two of the wounded soldiers in yesterday's explosion were listed in serious condition.

Bureau Report