Suicide attack targets Pakistani political rally, at least 6 killed

Suicide attack targets Pakistani political rally, at least 6 killed

2011-07-11 22:04:07 GMT+7 (ICT)

HAZARA, PAKISTAN (BNO NEWS) -- At least six people were killed after a suicide bomber apparently targeting a Pakistani minister detonated an explosion in the eastern region of the country, officials said Monday.

The explosion occurred in the Batagram area of Hazara district in the country's province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, where Amir Muqam, provincial President of Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) and cabinet minister, was scheduled to hold a public gathering, the Nation reported.

According to reports, security personnel stopped the suicide bomber to conduct a body search, but the bomber detonated the explosive device among a large crowd of PML-Q members. They had began gathering to hear Muqam, who arrived just 30 minutes after the blast.

Among the fatal victims were three police officers, two civilians, and children. In addition, 19 others were injured from the explosion and were transported to the District Headquarters Hospital Battagram, where medical personnel said that several of the injured were in critical condition.

Muqam later condemned the attacks while being interviewed on a local TV network, underlining that terrorists would not deter the resolve of the Pakistani people to eliminate such attacks.

President Asif Ali Zardari also strongly condemned the suicide attack at Battagram and expressed determination of the government to fight extremism and terrorism to its logical conclusion. He said terrorist activities, which now target political leaders, was highly condemnable. Zardari stated that the people, their leaders, and the country's law enforcement agencies remained firm and determined to fight terrorism until its end.

In addition, Zardari telephoned the PML-Q leader and expressed solidarity with him and asked him about his well being. He also asked local authorities to ensure that best possible treatment was provided to those injured, calling for increased measures to ensure that there was no recurrence of such incidents.

The United States Embassy condemned suicide attack in Battagram as well, grieving with families and friends of the victims and describing it as a "despicable act of violence." The U.S. also expressed support for the people and government of Pakistan in their struggle against violent extremists.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-07-11