Peshawar (AsiaNews/Agencies) – The suicide attack launched this morning against a mosque in Sherpao, a residential suburb of Peshawar, killed at least 50 people injuring a further 130. The target was the home of former prime minister, Aftab Khan Sherpao, a close allay of Musharraf and probable future Minister for the interior in the next legislature. The two buildings are close by.
The ex prime minister was in fact on his doorstep with his son, when the bomb exploded by the suicide bomber. The two were receiving pilgrims on their way to the mosque for Friday prayers. Sherpao escaped unharmed, his son however was wounded. Currently police are investigating the attack for possible clues into who was behind the order.
According to Sharif Virk, provincial chief of police, the bomber was amongst pilgrims as they made their way to the mosque , and he blew himself up as he arrived in front of the former prime minister’s home.
Attacks and intimidation are increasingly frequent in the country, as it prepares for the first real election campaign since Musharraf seized power in 1999. January 8th next, citizens are called to elect members of parliament and provincial Assemblies.