The suicide bomber blew himself up as ANP leader and candidate of NA:1, Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour arrived at the site of the rally and was coming out of his vehicle, said Chief Capital City Police (CCPO), Liaqat Khan while talking with media men.
He informed that Ghulam Bilour is slightly injured in the attack and was discharged from hospital after treatment. Nephew of Ghulam Bilour, Haroon Bilour who is also contesting from PK: 3 also remained unhurt in the attack.
Among the deceased, four are police officials including SHO of Kotwali Police Station, ASI and two constables, adds CCPO. Five policemen are also among the injured.
Incharge Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) KP, AIG Shafqat Malik also confirmed that blast was suicide attack. He said five to six kg explosive has been used in the attack. The BDU officials have recovered severed legs and some portion of head of the suicide bomber, Shafqat told APP.
The injured were rushed to Lady Reading Hospital by party men, local people and rescue workers. As a result of blast few vehicles, including the jeep of Ghulam Bilour caught fire.
Emergency has been declared in LRH where great rush of people is witnessed as relatives rushed to inquire about the health of their dear ones injured in the blast.
It merits a mention here that ANP leadership is facing severe threat from terrorists who had announced of targeting this party along with PPPP and MQM in their election campaigns. President of ANP, Asfandyar Wali Khan is also demanding extra security for candidates of his party in view of increasing bomb attacks on ANP rallies.
ANP leaderships is of the opinion that in the prevailing circumstance and level of security threat, they cannot reach masses as part of public contact campaign for the up coming polls.