Gunmen in Pakistan have opened fire on a Shi'ite mosque near the central city of Multan, killing at least nine people and wounding others.

The attack happened during morning prayers for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The police say the attack seems to be the latest in ongoing clashes between militant groups belonging to the majority Sunni and minority Shi'ite communities.

A BBC correspondent in Pakistan says there seems to be no connection between the attack and yesterday's apparent attempt to assassinate the prime minister in Lahore.