Islamabad, Jan 1 (IANS) At least five people, including a tribal chief, were killed in a remote-controlled bomb blast in northwest Pakistan’s tribal area Friday, a local TV channel reported.
Xinhua quoted Geo News as saying that a roadside bomb exploded in Salarzai of Bajaur Agency when a car passed by, killing five people.

A tribal chief Sardar Malik Gul Shali was among the victims. The car has been completely destroyed in the blast, the channel said.

Security forces have cordoned off the area. The administration has confirmed the five deaths.

Meanwhile, police foiled a bid to blow up a power supply line near the eastern city of Kala Shah Baku as 41 bombs tied with electric poles were defused.

According to reports, 17 bombs were planted at a power pole of main power line near Kala Shah Kaku. A local landlord informed the police about the bombs Thursday night.

Later, police discovered 24 more bombs planted with the poles. The bomb disposal squad said the bombs were Russian made.