Pakistani tribal leader dies in Baluchistan blast

QUETTA, Pakistan, Dec 19 (Reuters) A pro-government tribal leader was killed today in a blast in Pakistan's gas-rich Baluchistan province where militants are fighting for a greater share of profits from gas resources, a security official said.

Nationalists militants have been waging a low-key insurgency for decades in Baluchistan, Pakistan's biggest but poorest province and its main source of natural gas.

The tribal leader, Banglan Khan, was travelling with two companions when a landmine exploded under their vehicle in Dera Bugti district, about 250 km southeast of the provincial capital, Quetta, a security official said.

''Khan died at the site while the other two were wounded and have been taken to hospital in critical condition,'' said the security official, who declined to be identified.

In a separate incident earlier today, suspected militants blew up two power pylons in the same district.

The autonomy-seeking militants accuse the central government of exploiting their province's resources without sharing the benefits among its people.

The rebels frequently target official buildings, military installations, road and rail links, power lines and gas pipelines.

President Pervez Musharraf has promised to develop the province of sparely populated deserts and mountains bordering Afghanistan and Iran.

He has also announced an amnesty for militants who surrender and has appealed to tribal leaders to help with law and order.

REUTERS PDM KN1451