Pakistani politician among victims killed in suicide bombing

At least 12 people were killed in a suicide bombing at an election rally in northwestern Pakistan on Tuesday, police said.

A prominent local politician was among the victims in the attack that targeted a campaign event organised in the city of Peshawar by the Awami National Party.

“Sad to learn of Haroon Bilour and 2 other ANP workers deaths and strongly condemn the terrorist attack at the ANP corner mtg in Peshawar, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan said in a tweet posted online.

“All political parties and their candidates must be provided proper security during their election campaigns by the State,” he added.

Haroon is the son of Bashir Bilour, a prominent ANP leader who was killed in a suicide bomb attack in 2012. 

The group has been targeted by Islamist militants in the past over its vocal opposition to extremist groups like the Taliban.

The bombing came hours after the Pakistan military spokesman said there were security threats ahead of national elections scheduled for July 25.

Chief Election Commissioner Sardar Mohammad Raza described the attack as a "weakness of security institutions,” according to local Geo News.