At least four people were killed and 14 injured in an explosion near an election rally of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) in Haved area of Bannu, sources reported Friday morning.
Earlier reports had stated that the explosion targetted the convoy of Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam-Fazl’s Akram Khan Durrani, who is contesting on an MMA ticket from NA-35 Bannu.
Initial reports revealed that 14 people have been injured in the attack. The wounded were shifted to DHQ Bannu in ambulances and police vehicles.
The RPO informed that the blast occurred 50 metres away from the rally site, adding that 40 policemen were deployed at the venue.
Reports that Durrani was the target of the attack were put to rest when the JUI-F leader showed up at the hospital to tend to his supporters.
Durrani has served as the Federal Minister for Housing and Works in the last federal government.
Durrani is contesting the July 25 election against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairperson Imran Khan.
This is the second major incident of pre-poll violence in the country.
Earlier in the week, Awami National Party leader Haroon Bilour, among 22 others, was martyred in a suicide attack in Yakatoot neighbourhood of Peshawar.
