Blast Near Election Rally Kills 11 In Pakistan

Islamabad, April 17, IRNA -- A bomb attack near an election meeting in the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar killed at least 11 people late Tuesday, police said. The Awami National Party (ANP) was holding a meeting at Yaka Toot area of Peshawar when the bomb exploded in the crowded area. Police and doctors confirmed that 11 people were killed and nearly 40 others were injured. Hospital sources said that a former minister and a senior leader of the ANP, Ghulam Ahmad Bilour was among the injured. Sources say that a police officer and a child were among those killed. The injured were shifted to the nearby main hospital. Several injured were registered in critical condition. TV footage showed the injured were being shifted in ambulances. Several vehicles were also injured in the attack. Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack. Taliban spokesman, Ehsanullah Ehsan, said they will continue attacks on the ANP. Taliban had earlier warned that they will attack the ANP, Pakistan Peoples Party and Mutahida Qaumi Movement for their secular policies./end