3 killed as bomber targets press club in Pakistan: police
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Islamabad, Dec 22, IRNA -- A suicide bomber Tuesday blew himself up at the gate of the press club in the northwestern city of Peshawar in an apparent move to target journalists, police said.
City Police Chief Liaquat Ali said that a police guard and the bomber were killed in the attack. He said that two police men are missing.
Accountant of Peshawar Press Club Iqbal Shah was also killed in the attack, President of the Press Club Shamim Shahid said. He said that the Press Club had received threats.
At least four people were injured who were taken to the city's main hospital, the police chief said. Hospital sources said that over 10 persons were injured.
Ali said that a police guard at the small gate of the press club stopped the bomber for body search. He said as the police guard detected the suicide jacket he overpowered the bomber who succeeded to detonate his bomb stripped to his body.
No group claimed responsibility for the attack.
A witness said that he saw a boy forcing his way into the Club's building but the police stopped for a body search.
The bomb attack smashed windows of the Press Club, witnesses said.
Peshawar Press Club is located near the Governor House, the city’s main Railways Station and several government offices.
Provincial Information Minister Mian Iftikahr Hussain said that journalists were targeted as they are writing truth at the time when the terrorists are targeting mosques, houses, markets and public places. He said that three people were killed in the attack.
Hussain said the government will continue campaign against militants and such attacks will not deter the government from its resolve to eliminate terrorists.
The Minister expressed sympathy with the journalist community and hoped that journalists will continue their mission to expose militants despite such attacks.
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End News / IRNA / News Code 857237
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