20 killed in Pakistan suicide car bombing

BY OUR PAKISTAN CORRESPONDENT

Islamabad

Sept. 6: At least 20 people were killed in a suicide attack at a local shopping centre and nearby security checkpost on Kohat Road near Peshawar on Saturday.

The incident occurred when an explosive-laden vehicle hit the Zangali police checkpost in Badabher and a nearby market comprising 10 to 12 shops.

"Twenty casualties have been confirmed so far and more than 60 injured people have been taken to Lady Reading Hospital," a police official said.

The doctors fear more casualties as the condition of many injured people was said to be critical. The security officials have declared the blast as a suicide attack after the preliminary investigation.

The blast was so powerful that several shops and the checkpost were damaged completely.

Meanwhile, six pro-Taliban militants among 26 died in Swat in a gunbattle when militants tried to kidnap a local pir (saint). The clash was a rare show of defiance by residents of Swat where pro-Taliban fighters have been extending their influence from strongholds on the Afghan border.

The fighting broke out late on Friday between militants and residents of Matta district in Swat Valley, about 140 km northwest of Islamabad.

"Villagers stood up against them and killed six militants when they tried to take Pir Samiullah hostage.

Their defiance angered the militants who killed 20 people in response," said police officer Fazl-e-Subhan.