A suicide bomber killed eight people and wounded dozens more at a Pakistan election campaign rally being attended by a senior politician in the northwestern city of Peshawar on Tuesday, officials said.
It was the fourth deadly attack on politicians or political parties in three days as the country prepares to hold historic polls on May 11.
Senior Awami National Party (ANP) leader Ghulam Ahmed Bilour escaped the Peshawar bombing with only minor bruises. He was shown on television footage with blood splatters on his shirt after the attack.
"At least eight people have been killed and 49 others wounded," hospital spokesman Jamil Shah said.
Police said it was a suicide attack.
"It was a suicide bombing," senior police official Shafqat Malik told AFP.
Up to six kilograms of explosives along with splinters and ball bearings were used in the bombing.
"We have found the feet of the bomber," Malik added.
Live television footage showed vehicles burning and people rescuing the wounded in a cloud of smoke.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack but the Taliban have previously threatened ANP rallies and warned people to stay away from their campaign, as they are opposed to its agenda, which is often described as secular.
{{/usCountry}}There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack but the Taliban have previously threatened ANP rallies and warned people to stay away from their campaign, as they are opposed to its agenda, which is often described as secular.
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