ISLAMABAD, May 9 (Xinhua) -- At least 12 persons were injured when a blast occurred in Quetta, capital of southwestern Pakistan's Balochistan province, on Friday evening, a private television reported.

    The blast took place outside a restaurant when the people were taking tea there, said Geo TV channel, adding the injured had been shifted to the hospital.

    The state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) quoted police as saying that an improvised explosive device was planted near the restaurant, which caused the blast.

    Police have cordoned off the area and started investigation.

    No group claimed responsibility for the blast.