Roadside bomb in Pakistan kills troops, as militants target army during Independence Day celebrations

At least eight Pakistani soldiers have been killed in a bomb blast in the troubled Balochistan province, just a day after the nation celebrated its 70th year of independence from the UK.

The blast targeted soldiers in Harnai district around 160km east of the provincial capital Quetta, when a suicide bomber drove his motorcycle into an army truck.

The attack was claimed by separatist group Baloch Liberation Army, according to Reuters news agency, with a militant calling media in Quetta to take credit for the bombing.

It was the second bombing targeting the military who have been busy with Pakistan's 70th independence day celebrations.

On Saturday, a blast in a Quetta market killed 15 people, including eight soldiers in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group.

The Pakistani military said the bombing was an attempt by militants to disrupt national day celebrations.

Following Monday's attack, the Pakistani military said it would stay resiliant in the face of growing militancy.

"Our resolve won't succumb to any challenge," Bajwa said in a statement the army media wing posted on Twitter.

Baluchistan has seen a number of attacks in recent years from separatist and Islamist militants.

Pakistan and its western allies are concerned with the increased threat of the Islamic State group in the country and neighbouring Afghanistan.

Many believe IS could shift its attention to South Asia once it is defeated in Syria and Iraq.