Death toll in Pakistan blast climbs to 55

Islamabad, Oct 11 (Xinhua) The death toll in the blast which hit a jirga, or tribal elders' meeting, in northwestern Pakistan's tribal region Friday has climbed to 55, local TV reported Saturday.

The jirga of Ali Khel tribe was taking place Friday when a suicide bomber attacked the tribesmen in Orakzai tribal agency on the Afghan border.

The jirga, attended by up to 600 tribesmen, was convened to chalk out a strategy to expel Taliban militants from the tribal region.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.

Pakistan's security forces have been conducting operations against militants in the tribal areas and some local tribesmen have voiced their support for the government's operations.