Pakistani police say a suspected suicide car bomber has killed 10 people and wounded at least 17 others, as people were heading home from morning prayers at the start of a major Islamic holiday.

Authorities said the blast occurred Wednesday in the southwestern city of Quetta, as hundreds of people were leaving a mosque following Eid al-Fitr prayers. The festival marks the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

Police said they believe the bomber was targeting the Shi'ite mosque, but could not get close enough because the road was blocked.

Officials said the victims include at least two women and a child. The explosion also damaged several other cars and at least one nearby building.

No group immediately claimed responsibility. Quetta is the capital of Baluchistan province, which is home to both Taliban militants and nationalists who have fought against the government for decades.

Pakistan also has a long history of sectarian violence between the country's majority Sunni-Muslims and the significant Shi'ite minority.