Deadly Pakistan funeral bombing
June 18, 2013The bomber blew himself up as guests offered prayers for a local businessman shot dead overnight in Mardan, 145 kilometers (90 miles) northwest of Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, district commissioner Ghulam Habib Khan told the news agency dpa. The explosion killed Imran Khan Mohmand, a member of the provincial parliament of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and perhaps the intended target.
"Several bodies including that of bomber were charred beyond recognition," said Saeed Ahmed Khan, who collected forensic evidence from the site of the funeral, attended by hundreds.
Imran becomes the second lawmaker from the province to have been killed since national parliamentary elections in April. Farid Khan, another member of the provincial assembly, was shot dead in Hangu district earlier this month. Eleven more people died in reprisal attacks.
The attack on Tuesday also wounded at least 50 people. Saeed Ahmed Khan said that the attacker used at least 6-8 kilograms (13-17.6 pounds) of explosives. No group claimed immediate responsibility.
mkg/rc (AFP, dpa, AP)