20 killed in suicide blast in Pakistan interior minister's public meeting
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Islamabad, April 28, IRNA
Pakistan-Suicide Bombing
At least 20 people were killed and scores others injured in a suicide bomb blast in the public meeting of Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao near the northern city of Peshawar on Saturday, officials said.
Interior Secretary Syed Kamal Shah said that the interior minister escaped unhurt in the attack in the town of Charsadda, some 40 kilometers of Peshawar.
The bomber blew himself when the interior minister finished his speech, a local journalist Wajid Afridi said.
Afridi, who was also injured in the blast, said he saw dead bodies and injured lying near the stage and the people were running in panic.
Inspector General Police Muhammad Sharif Virk confirmed 15 dead.
Local correspondents put the death toll at more than 20.
Kamal Shah said that the interior minister and his son, who was also member of provincial assembly, were driven to Peshawar in a private car.
Correspondents said that Sherpao was first taken to a local hospital for medical examination and was later taken to Peshawar.
Official sources said that Sherpao was the target and that he had been at the hit-list of the terrorists.
2020/235/2322/1412
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