Pakistani Taliban claims responsibility for Sunday's attack

Pakistani Taliban have claimed responsibility for Sunday's suicide attack in the northwestern city of Peshawar. The blast killed 12 people, including a local mayor.

The attack took place in a market crowded with shoppers ahead of a Muslim holiday. A Taliban spokesman said the militants targeted Mayor Abdul Malik because he had formed a militia against the militant group.

The bomber blew himself up near the mayor's car. Malik was critically injured at the scene and died of his wounds later in hospital. His nephew was also killed in the attack.

Jafar Shah, Eyewitness, said, "I was there for my job. I saw an 86 model Corolla. Malik came there along with his guards. We thought the car belonged to him. Suddenly the car blew up and many people were wounded."

Police say Malik had once supported the Taliban, but later switched sides. He survived several attacks in the recent past.

Sahibzada Anees, District Co-ordination Officer, Peshawar, said, "Our mayor was leading a tribal militia against the miscreants. He had a very active role in cooperation with police and local law-enforcement agencies. He'd been attacked several times before. And he had received threats."

Police say up to 30 people were also injured in the attack. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minster Yousuf Raza Gilani have strongly condemned the blast, saying the government will continue military operations against the Taliban.