(AKI) - Eight people including three policemen were killed and several others were injured when a suicide attacker targeted a convoy in Pakistan's northwest on Friday. Pakistan's Geo News said that a suicide bomber blew up himself close to the security convoy escorting Akhtar Ali Shah, the local deputy inspector, near his home near the frontier town of Mardan.The convoy's driver and two guards were among the casualties, while the injured were transferred to local hospitals. Many were reported to be in a critical condition.
Mardan is around 110 kilometres northwest of the Pakistani capital Islamabad and close to the Afgan border.
More, from Associated Press of Pakistain
(APP): Mardan Police Chief Akhtar Ali Shah survived attempt on his life when a suicide bomber blew himself up close to main gate of his residence, killing at least nine persons including five patrolling squad of the DIG and injured 13 others. "The bomber apparently targeted the vehicle of the DIG but he luckily remained unhurt. However the mobile squad vehicle was smashed into pieces in the deadly attack", Provincial Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain said.
DPO Mardan Muhammad Iqbal Khan told APP that the suicide bomber had come on foot to the main gate and detonated himself up while facing resistance to enter the official residence of the DIG Mardan ,which was heavily guarded by the police. He said four policemen and as many civilians died on the spot.
Later another police constable, Qamar Alam succumbed to his wounds in hospital. The policemen killed in the deadly explosion are driver Adil, constables Sher Nawaz, Akhtar Zada and Havaldar Tariq.
The DPO said DIG Mardan Syed Akhtar Ali Shah escaped unhurt in the attack as he was about to leave his residence. Most of the victims were members of the patrolling squad of the DIG, a police official said.
The District police chief said that legs and head of the suicide bomber have been recovered. Soon after the incident, the police cordoned off the area and shifted the injured to district headquarters hospital. Five critically injured have been shifted to Peshawar.
Later talking to reporters in Mardan, DIG Syed Akhtar Ali Shah said he was present in the vehicle when the deadly explosion occurred. He said it was a suicide attack. To a question, he said he will continue to serve country and its people with more zeal, determination and commitment. Eyewitnesses said the bang of explosion was so powerful that it was heard in three kilometer radius. The residents said thick black smoke engulfed the area as people ran in panic.
Emergency has been imposed in DHQ hospital.
The condition of several injured is stated to be critical. NWFP Governor, Owais Ahmed Ghani has strongly condemned the suicide attack on Friday and expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the tragic incident.
In a condolence message, the Governor, while expressing his deep sympathies with the members of the bereaved families, said "such inhuman acts of cowardice, not only innocent precious lives are lost and properties destroyed, they also bring a bad name to the nation and country.
He said that elements, involved in such subversive activities would no more remain at large and would be brought to the court of law shortly. The Governor prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls and courage to the bereaved families to bear the irreparable loss with patience. He wished early recovery of the injured.
NWFP Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti has strongly condemned the explosion and termed it act of cowardice. He directed the hospital administration to provide every possible facility to the victims. He said that elements behind this brutal act will not remain at large and will be brought to book. The Chief Minister expressed profound grief and sorrow with members of bereaved families and prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace. He prayed for early recovery of the injured.