The attack on the Methodist "Bethel Memorial Church" in Quetta, about 65 km from Afghanistan border, also left over 50 others injured, said Pakistan media reports.

A spokesperson at Civil Hospital, Dr Waseem Baig, told Geo News that nine of the wounded are in critical condition.

Balochistan Home Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti told Geo News that two suicide bombers stormed the church, one of whom was shot dead at the entrance. The other suicide bomber blew himself up outside the church hall.

"The terrorists had weapons and it seems they wanted to take hostages inside the church. The police and FC guards present stopped this from happening," said Bugti.

He tweeted: "By the grace of Almighty, 02 Suicide Bombers stopped on entrance of Church in #Quetta. LEAs took 16 mins to complete the op. CCPO &  DC #Quetta along with IG Police #Balochistan lead the operation from forefront."

"God Forbid, if the terrorists had succeeded in their plans more than 400 precious lives would have been at stake," he said.

Quetta DIG Abdul Razzaq Cheema said two terrorists were on the run after the attack and a search operation was under way, reported Geo News.

Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor, the official spokesperson of Pakistan Armed Forces, tweeted: “Quetta church attack targeting our brotherly Christian Pakistanis is an attempt to cloud Christmas celebrations / create religious cleavages. Effective response by LEAs is commendable. We stay united and steadfast to respond against such heinous attempts”