At least four Pakistani soldiers and 17 militants were killed Wednesday during clashes in the country's northwest.

Security officials say troops were conducting a search operation in the Jogi village of Kurram tribal agency when they were attacked by a group of militants.

More than 21 people were killed in the ensuing gunbattle. The death toll could not be independently verified since journalists do not have access to the area.

Elsewhere in Pakistan, police say gunmen killed three lawyers in the southern port city of Karachi. One person was wounded in the attack. Authorities are investigating the motive of the shooting.