The death toll in the suicide attack in the Pakistani garrison city of Rawalpindi rose to 14 on Tuesday, with four more people succumbing to their injuries.
The death toll in the suicide attack in the Pakistani garrison city of Rawalpindi rose to 14 on Tuesday, with four more people succumbing to their injuries.
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Ten people were killed instantly when the suicide bomber struck at a crowded bus and taxi stop at Pir Wadhai Chowk in Rawalpindi last night.
At least 25 others were injured in the attack, which occurred despite strict security arrangements being put in place for a protest by lawyers and opposition parties to press the government to reinstate judges deposed during the 2007 emergency.
The long march by lawyers and opposition party activists was called off after Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani announced the restoration of former Supreme Court Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry and other deposed judges.
Police officials said they believed the suicide bomber had come to Rawalpindi to attack any large gathering of protestors.
They also said the bomber's explosives could have detonated prematurely before he could strike his intended target. The head of the suspected suicide bomber had been found at the site, media reported.
Many of the victims were hit by ball bearings packed into the suicide jacket.
Interior ministry chief Rehman Malik had yesterday said the bomber could have caused more destruction if he had been able to target political workers and leaders who had gathered for the long march.
Malik said law enforcement agencies would remain on alert as intelligence reports had said there could be a 'series of suicide attacks' on key buildings and important personalities.
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