Islamabad, March 2
At least 40 people were killed and 35 injured today in a daring suicide attack at a gathering of tribal elders and local officials in the restive northwest Pakistan where the military is battling pro-Taliban militants.
The suicide bomber, who was aged about 18, entered the venue of the traditional council known as a "jirga" at Darra Adam Khel, where about 500 elders from five tribes and local officials had gathered and blew himself up just as the people were dispersing after the meeting.
The jirga had been called to discuss the security situation and steps to restore peace in Darra Adam Khel, which has witnessed a spurt in the activities of pro-Taliban militants in the past few months.
Most of the dead were tribal elders. Two politicians who contested the February 18 general election were also killed, witnesses said, adding at least 40
bodies had been counted. Pakistan army soldiers cordoned off the site and began patrolling the area, including the nearby strategic Indus Highway which was blocked by angry tribesmen.
The severed head of the bomber was found by the security forces.
Local khasadar militia and levy force too reached the spot and helped ferry the injured to hospitals in Darra Adam Khel and nearby Kohat. The seriously injured were taken to North West Frontier Province capital of Peshawar.
No group has claimed responsibility for the bombing that has sparked tension in the region.
The NWFP has witnessed some of the most deadly suicide attacks in Pakistan in the past few months. This is the fourth in the last three days.
— PTI
