Pakistan gunmen 'kill 13 bus passengers'

Gunmen have killed at least 13 bus passengers in the southwest of Pakistan, according to officials.

Provincial home secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani told AFP news agency that militants had blocked a road and held up a group of security personnel.

They then stopped at least two buses and took passengers away - the bodies of 13 people were later found nearby.

The assault reportedly targeted people from the Punjab province who were working in Balochistan.

It happened on Monday night in the Mach area, about 50km (31 miles) southeast of the provincial capital, Quetta.

Local radio said at least nine passengers were still being held on Tuesday.

Balochistan is plagued by both sectarian infighting between Sunnis and Shias and a rebellion by Baloch separatists, who want greater political autonomy and a share of natural resources.

Radio Pakistan quoted Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari condemning the attack and ordering local authorities to take strict action against the killers.