Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

16 killed, 52 injured in attempts on Pak President life - Minister

IRNA

Islamabad, Dec 26, IRNA - At least 16 were killed in Thursday`s twin 
suicide car blasts against the life of Pakistani President General 
Pervez Musharraf in Rawalpindi, official sources said. 
Interior Minister Saleh Zafar Hayat has told reporters that 52 
people are also injured in the attacks. Four traffic policemen are 
reportedly among the killed. 
President Musharraf narrowly survived the attack and windscreen of
his car was damaged as debris of a damaged petrol station fell on his 
car. 
The blast took place 1.45 pm local time near Civil Lines police 
station and damaged two petrol stations and several shops. 
Police said around 60 kg of explosive was used in the two car 
bombs against Musharraf`s life. 
General Musharraf said on Thursday that he was the target of the 
two suicide attacks, which he blamed on terrorists and extremists. 
In an interview to the state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) hours after
the attacks, he said it was his mission to weed out terrorism and 
extremism and develop Pakistan into a prosperous country. 
"There is no change in this resolve, and I would accomplish my 
mission." 
Asked about who could be behind the incident, he said nothing can 
be said with certainty but there could be terrorists and extremists 
elements. "There can be many possibilities." 
It was the second attack on General Musharraf life in less than 
two weeks. He escaped unhurt in another suicide bomb attack on 
December 14 near the same area of Rawalpindi city. 
The government has not blamed any group for the attack. No one 
has claimed responsibility. 
The second attack on President Musharraf in less than two weeks 
has exposed security lapses of the president`s security team, analysts
said. 
TSH/211 
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