A Pakistani tribal leader has said that 60 civilians have been killed in clashes with security forces in southwestern Balochistan province's Dera Bugti town.

Bugtis tribe chief Nawab Akbar Bugti, Friday was quoted by the local news agency News Network International (NNI) as saying in Quetta, the provincial capital, that the death toll of civilians may increase.

There has been no independent confirmation of these claims as the telephone contact with the area has been disconnected, the NNI said.

On the other hand, Interior Minister Aftab Sherpao told Pakistan's National Assembly that five paramilitary troops were also killed and eight others injured as Pakistani security forces battled tribesmen.

He said there might be some casualties of tribesmen, however, he did not agree with the 60 civilian deaths.

Reports suggest that helicopter gunships and heavy weapons were used as security forces tried to rescue 40 paramilitary troops surrounded by tribesmen on Thursday.

The clashes began when a paramilitary convoy was ambushed by tribesmen, the interior minister said.

Balochistan Home Minister Shoib Nowsherwani said that a cease-fire was announced at 8 p.m. on Thursday. However, Nawab Akbar Bugti said firing had continued till late night.

Dera Bugti houses the country's largest natural gas installations and local tribes have for years been demanding higher royalties for the resources extracted from their area.

They have also been agitating against government plans to set up new garrisons in the area to shore up security.

Source: Xinhua