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Blast at Pakistan election rally Blast at Pakistan election rally
(about 1 hour later)
At least 14 people have died after a powerful explosion hit an opposition election rally in north-western Pakistan, the interior ministry says. At least 18 people have died after a powerful explosion hit an opposition election rally in north-western Pakistan, the interior ministry says.
The suspected suicide attack happened in Charsadda, in the North West Frontier Province.The suspected suicide attack happened in Charsadda, in the North West Frontier Province.
The blast occurred at a rally of the Awami National Party (ANP), a secular Pashtun party, as campaigning began for elections due on 18 February.The blast occurred at a rally of the Awami National Party (ANP), a secular Pashtun party, as campaigning began for elections due on 18 February.
Correspondents say suspicions are likely to fall on Islamist groups.Correspondents say suspicions are likely to fall on Islamist groups.
"We've been told 14 people were killed and 24 wounded," interior ministry spokesman Javed Iqbal Cheema told Reuters. "Apparently it was a suicide attack," interior ministry spokesman Javed Iqbal Cheema told Reuters news agency.
"Apparently it was a suicide attack," he added.
SuspicionSuspicion
The ANP is seen as an anti-Islamist force, and suspicion for the blast is likely to fall on al-Qaeda or jihadist elements, the BBC's Barbara Plett says.The ANP is seen as an anti-Islamist force, and suspicion for the blast is likely to fall on al-Qaeda or jihadist elements, the BBC's Barbara Plett says.
The elections are seen as a test of the democratic credentials of President Pervez Musharraf, who recently stepped down as military leader.The elections are seen as a test of the democratic credentials of President Pervez Musharraf, who recently stepped down as military leader.
North West Frontier province, bordering Afghanistan, is a hotbed of Taleban militancy and has been the scene of frequent unrest.North West Frontier province, bordering Afghanistan, is a hotbed of Taleban militancy and has been the scene of frequent unrest.
In the south of Pakistan, tens of thousands of supporters of the late opposition leader, Benazir Bhutto, gathered for her Pakistan People's Party's first campaign rally since her assassination in December.In the south of Pakistan, tens of thousands of supporters of the late opposition leader, Benazir Bhutto, gathered for her Pakistan People's Party's first campaign rally since her assassination in December.
Mrs Bhutto's assassination prompted the postponement of the election, which was originally scheduled to take place in January.Mrs Bhutto's assassination prompted the postponement of the election, which was originally scheduled to take place in January.