Bomb blast in Balochistan's Quetta kills 22

It's a deadly morning in Quetta as the death toll from the blast targeting a police van has risen to 22, according to sources at Civil Hospital. Meanwhile, 2 dozen people are injured in Quetta NA-260 blast, reported Dawn.

Pakistan is voting to elect a new prime minister of the country on Wednesday. The country is holding its 11th general election since 1970 today. It is the second uninterrupted democratic transition of power in the nation's 70-year chequered history amid accusations of manipulation by the powerful army and concerns over the participation of Islamic hardliners in large numbers.

Ahead of the polls, Pakistan saw intense campaigning by candidates from key parties - Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan's Peoples Party(PPP). A fierce battle is expected between Imran Khan-led PTI and PMLN led by Nawaz Sharif’s brother and former Pakistan Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. The third in the row is PPP led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, whose support can be crucial in forming a government if none of the parties gets a clear majority.

The voting began at 8: 30 am (IST) and will continue till 6:30 pm (IST) at 85,000 polling stations. The counting of votes will be done on the spot soon after polling is concluded and results will be announced within 24 hours.