12 killed, over 20 injured in Pak suicide bomb blast

Sun, May 18 10:37 PM

Islamabad, May 18 (PTI) Twelve people were killed and over 20 injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up in a crowded market within the cantonment area in the northwestern Pakistani city of Mardan today. The blast occurred in a market of shops dealing in music and movies at about 7 pm (7.30 pm IST) when a large number of people were present in the area.

A large number of people were present in the market, which is owned by the Punjab Regimental Centre. Four soldiers were among the dead and six security personnel were injured, officials said.

The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals. The army cordoned off the site of the blast and began an investigation.

District Police Officer Tahir Khan confirmed the blast was caused by a suicide bomber. Other officials said parts of the body of the bomber, believed to be in his twenties, had been found.

A large number of army personnel visit the market and a nearby bakery on weekends and it is believed they were the bomber's main target. The shop-owners also said they had received a threat a few days back from unknown militants, who had warned them that they would be targeted if they did not wind up their businesses.

Since last year, Taliban militants in Pakistan's tribal areas and the North West Frontier Province have been targeting shops selling music and movies, which they say are "un-Islamic". PTI.

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