PESHAWAR: At least 21 people including Awami National Party (ANP) leader Haroon Bashir Bilour were killed when a suicide bomber blew himself up during a corner meeting in Peshawar’s Yakatoot area, ARY News reported.
Initially, the death toll from the explosion was reported at 13 but it soared to 21 overnight, according to official sources at Lady Reading Hospital.
According to ARY News correspondent, Haroon Bilour was holding a corner meeting in the Yakatoot area when an explosion occurred leaving at least three people dead on the spot and several others injured.
Haroon Bilour was himself severely injured and was moved to the city’s Lady Reading Hospital along with other injured victims of the blast where he breathed his last.
The ANP leader was contesting polls from PK-78 constituency of Peshawar and the corner meeting was arranged as a part of his election campaign.
It is pertinent to note here that Bilour’s father, Bashir Ahmed Bilour, too had lost his life in a 2012 suicide bomb explosion in the city’s Qissa Khwani bazar.
He was the eldest son of Bashir Bilour and was contesting elections from the same constituency as his late father.
Bomb Disposal Unit confirmed that it was a suicide blast at least eight kilograms of explosive material was used in the attack.
Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Peshawar told media that at least 35 people were injured in the blast and 12 including the ANP leader were killed. However, the death toll soared to 21 overnight.
Condolences and condemnations pour in
Political leaders, journalists and notables from all walks of life condemned the incident, demanded security for politicians and prayed for the departed soul.
Shocking news from Peshawar: Grieved to learn about shahadat of Haroon Bilour. Strongly condemn this barbaric act of terrorism on a public meeting. Its govt & ECP’s responsibility 2 provide fool-proof security 2 political parties leaders. My condolences to bereaved families & ANP
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) July 10, 2018
Sad to learn of Haroon Bilour and 2 other ANP workers deaths and strongly condemn the terrorist attack at the ANP corner mtg in Peshawar. All political parties and their candidates must be provided proper security during their election campaigns by the State.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) July 10, 2018
Haroon Bilour s/o Bashir Bilour… Brave son of a Brave father… Martyred son of a Martyred father. What a tragedy for Bilour Family. Heart bleeds for them & other victims. May Allah give them strength pic.twitter.com/wtrBaA5s8Z
— Faisal Subzwari (@faisalsubzwari) July 10, 2018
Son of Shaheed Bashir Bilour, Haroon Bilour killed. Such a terrible and depressing news.
— Waseem Badami (@WaseemBadami) July 10, 2018
Haroon Bilour and four others killed in ANP election rally. With what heart will we condole now with the Bilour family? One son already lost to a terrorist attack. Wishing the ANP and bereaved families the fortitude to bear such terrible losses 💔 https://t.co/JUtraNVOQt
— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) July 10, 2018
First father sacrificed his life for Pakistan and now his son Haroon Bilour.The terrorists are worst than animals.May God bless his soul in peace.Whythe KPK police failed to provide security despite direct threat on ANP leadership was conveyed as per the report of NACTA.
— Senator Rehman Malik (@SenRehmanMalik) July 10, 2018
پشاور میں ایک کارنر میٹنگ پر خوش کش حملے کی سخت الفاظ میں مذمت کرتا ہوں۔ اللہ تعالی ہارون بلور اور انکے ساتھیوں کو جوارِ رحمت میں جگہ عطا فرمائے۔ آمین۔
— Usman Dar (@UdarOfficial) July 10, 2018
انا لله وانا الہ راجعون
پشاور میں دہشت گردوں نے اے این پی کے راہنما ہارون بلور کو شہید کر دیا
الله پاکستان کی حفاظت کریں— Arif Hameed Bhatti (@arifhameed15) July 10, 2018
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