Pakistani Taliban claim bombing

PESHAWAR, Pakistan: The Pakistani Taliban yesterday claimed responsibility for an overnight suicide bombing at a campaign rally that killed a secular politician and 20 others two weeks before the country’s nationwide elections.

Mohammad Khurasani, a spokesperson for the Pakistani Taliban, confirmed the militant group targeted a rally of the Awami National Party in the city of Peshawar.

The bombing killed Haroon Ahmed Bilour, a candidate for a seat in the provincial legislature. Another 65 people were wounded.

Islamic extremists grew to despise the Awami National Party when it ruled the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, of which Peshawar is the capital, from 2008 to 2013.

At the time, the military waged a major offensive against militants in the province’s Swat Valley.

The militants responded with a wave of attacks ahead of the 2013 elections, killing hundreds of supporters of the Awami National Party.

Bilour’s father, Bashir Ahmed Bilour, was killed by a suicide bomber in 2012.

Thousands attended the funeral prayers for the Haroon Ahmed Bilour at a Peshawar park yesterday, including supporters, political leaders and ordinary citizens. Some held banners praising Bilour and criticising the government for failing to provide adequate security.

Party chief Asfandar Wali pledged that despite the killing, the Awami National Party remained undeterred.

“They want us out, but we will remain in the political arena and electoral race come what may,” Wali said.

The Pakistani Taliban said the attack on Tuesday night was in revenge for the ANP’s rule and vowed more attacks. It called on people to stay away from ANP rallies.

Bilour’s family called on his supporters to remain calm.