QUETTA/KARACHI: An explosion at a five-star hotel in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province has killed four people and injured 12 others.

The blast tore through the parking area of the Serena hotel in Quetta, which is currently hosting the Chinese ambassador to Pakistan.

“At least four dead bodies and 12 injured have been brought to the hospital and of the injured two are in critical condition,” Dr. Waseem Baig, spokesperson of the Civil Hospital in Quetta told Arab News Pakistan.

Provincial Home Minister Zia Ullah Langau said all casualties were Pakistani nationals. He added that the Chinese envoy was not at the hotel at the time of the explosion.

“The Chinese ambassador was present at cantonment when the blast occurred,” Langau said. “The Chinese ambassador is in Quetta and his spirit is high. He will resume his routine engagements tomorrow morning.”

Pakistan’s Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry condemned the blast and said an investigation is underway.

Balochistan Police Inspector General Muhammad Tahir Rai said investigators are still assessing the intensity of the blast and the explosives used.

Separatists have been fighting security forces for years in the province over what they see as unfair exploitation of its vast mineral wealth.

They also claim security forces have pushed them to take up arms because of a long history of abuses against the Baloch people, something the authorities deny.

Insurgents have also attacked projects linked to China’s Belt and Road infrastructure initiative.