ISLAMABAD, Feb 16 (KUNA) — More than 40 persons were killed and near 97 were wounded Saturday when a suicide bomber blew himself up in an election rally of slain Benazir Bhuttos Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
The incident took place in Parachinar, the main town of Kurram tribal agency along Afghan border.
A bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into a passenger coach that was parked in front of the office of a PPP election candidate Riaz Hussain Shah, Assistant Political Agent Fida Khan told KUNA by telephone.
He said a large number of people had gathered outside the office, adjacent to his house.
He said that the explosion killed more than 40 persons and wounded 97 others, adding that a number of the wounded were in critical condition.
Federal Interior Ministry confirming the incident said that 37 persons were killed and 90 were wounded.
The explosion took place as the election campaign ends Saturday midnight. Security has already been beefed up in the country with military and paramilitary troopers deployed at all vital buildings and offices.