In Pakistan, a deadly blast struck a market on the outskirts of capital Islamabad, killing at least 18 people.

The high intensity blast took place near a busy fruit and vegetable market in the early hours today.

Initial reports say, dozens of people have been injured in the explosion. It comes a day after 13 people were killed in a bomb attack by separatists in Baluchistan province.

Islamabad police chief Sultan Azam Taomori told reporters that 37 people were injured in the attack.