Two killed in Islamabad bomb blast
ISLAMABAD: A policeman was killed as a suicide bomber blew himself at the gate of police special branch near Sitara market, various tv channels reported. The blast was so severe that it smashed windowpanes of many buildings in the sector G-7. The blast was reportedly heard throughout downtown Islamabad. According to Interior Ministry secretary Kamal Shah a man detonated explosives at the gate of a police station close to a market. He says an officer who was apparently challenging the attacker died in the blast. There were no immediate reports of any other casualties. Rescue operation was initiated immediately and injured were being shifted to nearby Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Poly Clinic. Police have surrounded the area.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani condemned the suicide bomb attack on the offices of special branch police in Islamabad. In their statements, the President and the Prime Minister said the perpetrators of the heinous terrorist attack will not go unpunished. They ordered the Interior Ministry to hold immediate inquiry into the incident. They directed the hospital authorities to provide best possible medical care to the injured.
While Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira has also strongly condemned the suicide attack. The minister affirmed his commitment that such elements would never be able to shatter the determination of the government and people of Pakistan to fight against terrorism.
Meanwhile Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior Rehman A Malik said the suicide blast at a police station near Sitara Market was carried out by one among the ‘series of bombers’ who sneaked into the Capital before Long March. “We had a very authentic information that some 15?20 Uzbek suicide bombers were sent by Baitullah Mehsud following a meeting of Tehrik?e?Taliban Pakistan (TTP),†the Interior Advisor told media on Monday.
Malik said a police constable named Faisal embraced martyrdom while trying to stop the suicide bomber who tried to force his way into the premises. “I salute this brave policeman for showing such an act of gallantry,†Malik said. Meanwhile, five other persons were reported wounded in the blast.
The Interior Advisor said security in Islamabad was put on high alert as they had information of today’s attack. Asked as to how could the suicide bomber could make it if elaborate security cover was in place, he said “no effective mechanism has so far been developed anywhere in the world to preempt suicide bombingâ€
He said those responsible of this act would surely be dealt with on iron hand. “We shall clear Pakistan of them all.†Malik said he had constituted a team to thoroughly probe into the matter. He urged the people to forge unity.
Input fromAgencies
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