PESHAWAR: A senior secular leader of the Awami National Party (ANP) and 19 others were killed when a Taliban suicide bomber blew himself up in an election rally in Pakistan’s northwestern Peshawar city, the second terrorist attack on a political rally ahead of the July 25 general elections.
The powerful blast, which also injured 66 people, took place shortly before midnight last night when ANP leader Haroon Bilour, who was contesting elections from PK-78 constituency in Peshawar city, along with other party workers had gathered for a corner meeting in the congested Yakatoot area.
The blast occurred near Bilour’s vehicle.
The death toll was initially reported at 13 but it rose to 20 overnight, Lady Reading Hospital’s spokesperson Zulfiqar Ali Baba Khel said.
The attack was claimed by banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). (AGENCIES)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
