Suicide Blast Targets Pakistani Chief Minister’s Convoy

Islamabad, Feb 16, IRNA -- A suicide bomber on Friday attacked a convoy of chief minister of north western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, local media reported. According to reports, chief minister Ameer Haider Hoti remained safe in the attack that took place outside Abdul Wali Khan University in Mardan. The convoy had left the area when the blast took place and no casualty was reported in the incident. The chief minister was on its way to address a rally of his party, Awami National Party (ANP) in Mardan. Police have cordoned off the area while the rescue officials have initiated a rescue operation. According to the police, the bomber had also hurled a hand grenade at the convoy before blowing himself up. Reports say the head of the suicide bomber has been found in front of the main gate of the university where he blew himself up. Security forces say the bomber might have been around 16-17 years of age. The blast occurred a day after the ANP-hosted All Parties Conference emphasized upon the need of negotiations with Taliban and other insurgent groups battling Pakistan army and ally forces in Afghanistan./end