Five people including the alleged suicide bomber were killed and eighteen others injured in an explosion after police opened fire on a suspected terrorist at Wali Bagh, district Charsadda. The incident occurred on the first day of Eidul Fitr, one of the three religious festivals of the Muslims all over the world.
A large number of people particularly the activists of the Awami National Party (ANP) were coming to Wali Bagh, residence of the party chief Asfandyar Wali Khan. The police personnel deployed at the residence asked the suspected for body search and on refusal and resistance they fired at him.
"The injured bomber fell down on the ground and blew himself up," a security officer has reportedly said. Two of those who lost lives were stated to be the body guards of Asfandyar Wali while another one was stated to the official of a commercial bank. The identity of the two others could not be ascertained.
At the time of the incident, Asfandyar Wali Khan who was present at the Hujra, (guest house) and busy in exchanging Eid greetings with the people remained unhurt. "The alleged suicide bomber arrived at the security gate, but refused when asked for body search and attempted to reach Asfandyar Wali Khan," Mohammad Ishaq a security personnel reportedly said.
According to the security officer, police opened fire on the suspected, but he was wearing bullet-proof jacket and remained unhurt. Another guard targeted him at the forehead. The suspect fell down on the ground, which was followed by an explosion resulting in the killing of five persons and leaving eighteen others injured.
ANP, the ruling political party in NWFP supports the war on terror, which had brought its leadership on target of the terrorists and religious extremists. A public meeting called by the party before February 18 polls was also attacked in district Charsadda resulting in the killing of several people.
Meanwhile, talking to media, central president ANP Asfandyar Wali Khan vowed to continue struggle against terrorism and extremism. "Such kind of timid attacks will not deter our determination in fight against terrorists and extremists and will not even care for his own life," declared Mr Khan.