Pall of gloom envelopes Peshawar

Family, friends in shock over untimely death of provincial legislature candidate Haroon Bilour

Apall of gloom enveloped Peshawar city yesterday, after the death of provincial legislature candidate Haroon Bilour in the suicide bomb attack targeting a meeting of the Awami National Party (ANP) late onb Tuesday night.

The blast claimed 21 lives, including Bilour, and injured at least 65 others — several of whom are in critical condition.

Bilour was a popular personality among Peshawarites because of his genial behaviour and strong links with electorates. Like his father, the late Bashir Ahmad Bilour and uncle, Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour, Haroon was also conspicuous because of his presence at every funeral and wedding ceremony being held in the city.

Barrister

Apart from ANP leaders and workers, members of other political parties also expressed sadness over the killing.

Family and friends were in shock over the untimely death of Bilour who was 48 years old.

Because of his upbringing in a political environment, Bilour rubbed shoulders with top politicians in the country from his childhood.

He was president of Pakhtoon Student Federation (PSF) in Edwards College Peshawar from 1988 to 1990.

After graduating at Edwards College, Haroon Bilour was admitted in the Law College of Peshawar University’s LLB programme and later went to England to study for the Bar exam.

After becoming a barrister, Haroonn returned to practice at the High Court, but soon turned his attention to politics.

AP People carry the coffins of victims of the suicide bombing. The funeral for Haroon Ahmad Bilour, a candidate killed in the attack, was to be held yesterday.