7 killed in suicide attack in NW Pakistan

Source: Xinhua | 01-18-2008 08:05

ISLAMABAD, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- At least seven people were killed and another 25 were injured Thursday in an apparent suicide attack at a religious gathering in the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar, according to the official APP news agency.

The APP quoted eye witnesses as saying that a man in black dress aged around 18 blew himself up at the main gate of Imam Bargah Mirza Qasim Baig, a Shiite mosque, while trying to get close to the Zaakir (preacher).

It said that the bomber also fired bullets before exploding himself up in a gathering of the mourners. The blast occurred a the male portion of the mosque.

The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals and emergency has been declared at all the major hospitals of the district.

The blast occurred as minority Shiite Muslims prepared to mark the Ashoura festival.

Sectarian clashes have resulted in heavy casualties in the past.

On the 7th of Muharram last year, exactly at the same time and close to the present venue, a bomber exploded himself up before the mourners procession, killing 17 persons.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei