Balochistan deaths spark strikes
There are fears violence could spread over the weekend
Political groups in Pakistan's Balochistan province have called a three-day general strike in protest at the killing of three ethnic leaders. One policeman died in riots on Thursday and more trouble is feared. The United Nations expressed "serious concern" over the killings and urged an immediate investigation. Supporters say the three men went missing after being detained by security forces. An army spokesman blamed "anti-state elements". Reports from the provincial capital, Quetta, suggest the strike is being widely observed, with shops and schools closed and little traffic on the streets. The BBC's Barbara Plett in Islamabad says the discovery of the bodies has torn the lid off a simmering conflict. Baloch nationalists have long campaigned for greater autonomy and control of local resources. An armed insurgency is demanding outright independence. 'Regrettable'