Islamabad, October 6
At least 23 persons were killed today and 60 others injured, including a prominent opposition PML-N parliamentarian, when a suicide bomber struck at his home in Pakistan’s heartland of Punjab province.

The bomber blew himself up at the residence of PML-N leader Rasheed Akbar Nawani, a prominent politician of Bhakkar district and a member of the National Assembly, almost destroying his home and shaking the entire area sending his panicked neighbours and shopkeepers scurrying for safety.

Nawani was injured in the attack and rushed to a hospital, where channels said his condition was serious.

Though TV channels reported that 23 persons were killed, the interior ministry confirmed 20 deaths. The death toll could rise as many of the injured are in critical condition, witnesses said.

Punjab’s IGP Shaukat Javed said the head of the suicide bomber had been found.

Policemen sealed off Nawani’s residence and investigators scoured the site of the blast for clues. Police officials said the bomber’s jacket, with an Afghan currency note inside it, had been recovered.

Over 200 persons had gathered at Nawani’s home to exchange Eid greetings at the time of the attack. Though special security arrangements were made at the lawmaker’s residence, the bomber managed to sneak inside and detonate his explosives, police officials said. Nawani is a Shia and reports suggested that rival sectarian groups might have carried out the attack.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which was condemned by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif.

Media reports said that the lawmaker was embracing people and wishing them Eid greetings when the blast occurred. — PTI