The ANP leader's funeral — held at Wazir Bagh — was attended by the ANP's central leadership, including Ameer Haider Khan Hoti, hundreds of party workers and supporters. Leaders from other political parties, including QWP's Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao and PPP's Humayun Khan were also in attendance.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) spokesperson today announced that the election for PK-78 has been postponed due to the tragedy.

'Suicide blast'

The blast took place when Bilour arrived at the site of a corner meeting. He suffered serious injuries and was shifted to Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) where he succumbed to his wounds.

Rescue teams and law enforcement agencies rushed to site after the blast. Police and bomb disposal officials collected evidence from the blast site and initiated an investigation into the incident.

People gather near the blast site following a suicide attack on ANP corner meeting in the Yakatoot area. —APP

“According to our initial investigation, it was a suicide attack and Haroon Bilour... was the target,” said Additional Inspector General Shafqat Malik. He said that an initial probe suggested that a young boy blew himself up at the main entrance of the gathering when Bilour entered the venue.

Death toll rises overnight

The death toll was initially reported to be 13, but it rose to 20 overnight, according to Lady Reading Hospital Spokesperson Zulfiqar Ali Baba Khel.

Scores of people suffered injuries as a result of the blast. The LRH spokesperson told media that 48 injured were discharged from the hospital after initial treatment, while 15 people including a minor girl were still being treated. The spokesperson added that the girl and five others were in a critical condition.

More than 30 people were injured in the explosion. —DawnNewsTV

Meanwhile, police arrested a suspect from the hospital. The suspect was among the wounded who were shifted to the hospital by rescuers, police sources said.

The body of Haroon Bilour was later shifted to Bilour House where ANP workers gathered in large numbers to pay respect to their deceased leader.

The funeral of Bilour will be offered at 5pm in Wazir Bagh area of Peshawar. Funeral prayers of nine blast victims were offered on Wednesday morning. They were laid to rest at Rehman Baba graveyard.

JIT to submit probe report in 1 week

Peshawar Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Qazi Jameel said that the provincial police chief has constituted a five-member Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to probe into the incident. The team has been tasked to submit its report within a week.

The deputy inspector general of the Counter-Terrorism Department is heading the JIT. A First Information Report has been filed in by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD).

Law enforcement personnel have also launched a search operation in the city.

ANP announces peaceful mourning

ANP chief Asfandyar Wali, while speaking to reporters today, said that the party would observe three days of peaceful mourning, adding that the ANP would participate in the polls, come what may.

He expressed his anger and anguish over the situation and said that he has asked his party workers to remain calm, but that being backed into a corner may be a catalyst for unrest.

"It will not be a good sign for the country if party workers shun the policy of patience," he said.

The ANP leader explained that the party is facing a complex situation, where the enemy can identify them but they are unable to identify their enemies. "We cannot declare every man with a beard to be a member of the Taliban," he said.

Political parties under attack

In 2012, Haroon Bilour's father Bashir Ahmed Bilour was also killed when a Pakistani Taliban bomber blew himself up in a party meeting in Peshawar.

The following year in 2013, the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) had claimed responsibility for an attack at an ANP rally in Peshawar, in which 15 people were killed. The TTP spokesperson at the time, Ehsanullah Ehsan, had told journalists that Haroon was the target, but "unfortunately Ghulam Ahmed Bilour got injured".

The ANP, which governed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province from 2008 to 2013, has been a continual target of militant groups operating in the northwest. The militants killed hundreds of ANP leaders and supporters in attacks around the 2013 election.

Earlier this month, seven people including a candidate of the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal were injured in an explosion during an election rally near Takhtikhel canal.

Relatives mourn the death of family member at hospital in Peshawar. —AP

The Taliban have time and again threatened to target secular parties for what they call supporting the military action in tribal areas and the “war on terror”.

Although there has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, the city of Peshawar has for decades been a victim of militancy due to its status as a frontline for the ongoing war against terrorism as well as its proximity to the restless tribal areas and the Pak-Afghan border.

Politicians face terror threat in run-up to polls

The Natio­nal Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta) on Monday had revealed the names of six personalities, including Imran Khan and Hafiz Saeed’s son, who could be targeted by terrorists during the ongoing election campaign.

“Six people include Pak­istan Tehreek-i-Insaf chairman Imran Khan, Awami National Party leaders Asfandyar Wali and Ameer Haider Hoti, Qaumi Watan Party head Aftab Sherpao, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl leader Akram Khan Dur­rani and Hafiz Saeed’s son Talha Saeed. Moreover, there are threats to senior leadership of the Pakistan Peoples Party and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz,” Nacta director Obaid Farooq said while briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Interior.

He said Nacta had forwarded 12 threat alerts to the federal interior and provincial home ministries as well as law enforcement agencies.

Comments (71) Closed

I hope there won't be any more attacks and this election will not be a deadly one. May we see Imran Khan our next PM to eradicate corruption from its routes

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Abdul Bais

Jul 11, 2018 12:11am

May you rest in peace. Hell to all terrorists and their supporters. Heart broken.

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Ubuntu

Jul 11, 2018 12:11am

RIP....
Very sad to know this..
Please avoid such things..

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Dil Say

Jul 11, 2018 12:21am

Very Sad

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zeeshah

Jul 11, 2018 12:23am

O the forces of powers, please have mercy, let’s not sow the seeds of hate.

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Moiz

Jul 11, 2018 12:32am

Very disturbing news after long time

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Anti-Corruption_Pakistani

Jul 11, 2018 12:52am

Very sad incident planned and executed by enemies of peace, and causing fear before the election - they will not succeed, as nation is brave enough to defeat our internal and external enemies!

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tariq khan

Jul 11, 2018 12:53am

I appreciate ANP clear stance on extremism and terrorism.they are true heroes.of the.nation.

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Nadeem

Jul 11, 2018 12:55am

Very very sad.i really thought we were done with terrorism.

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Aam admi

Jul 11, 2018 01:00am

@Sixer From Chakwal, you should not comment like this, terrorist attack could be occur any time. Govt should take highest security measure.

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Dr Haroon

Jul 11, 2018 01:06am

May all resorted souls rest in peace.

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AHAQ

Jul 11, 2018 01:09am

This is indeed sad happening before elections. The killers have no aim but to disrupt the normal constitutional election process in Pakistan. The party leaders should refrain from using incitement language and instruct the workers to continue to canvass for the election in a peaceful manner. There should be peaceful and constructive debates of candidates on the media who are competing. Corruption charges should be sent to courts and investigation agencies who can proceed forward and take action against corrupt candidates and elected leaders using a due legal process.

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Lubnakhan

Jul 11, 2018 01:17am

RIP a very sad news ,,

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Tariq

Jul 11, 2018 01:23am

Both his father and him were brave persons, who fought against terrorism and
sacrificed their lives for terrorism free Pakistan.

Rest in peace.

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Dr Riffat Jabeen

Jul 11, 2018 01:24am

OMG. RIP. It’s very sad and painful that such horrific incident occurred when the country is going towards elections. May no more terrorist activities happen and government change peacefully. Aameen

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Aamir

Jul 11, 2018 01:24am

What our security forces are doing?

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Aa

Jul 11, 2018 01:27am

Very Sad...feel sad for his family...they had to see another death in the family like this.

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Tariq

Jul 11, 2018 01:28am

My deepest sympathies to his family, who has paid a very heavy price to defend
Pakistan against terrorism.

Pakistan salutes you

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Sargodha

Jul 11, 2018 01:32am

RIP. horrible tragedy for the family. another victim of terrorism. faceless enemy bringing bad name to Pakistan.

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AnotherSoul

Jul 11, 2018 01:35am

We all know who is behind the alleged terrorist attack.

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IMTIAZ ALI KHAN

Jul 11, 2018 01:43am

RIP.

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Omair

Jul 11, 2018 01:46am

@Sixer From Chakwal a person dies due to terrorism. You don't condemn it instead you write the IK would become PM and eradicate corruption. This is what we've been reduced to as a nation!

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Ajaya K Dutt

Jul 11, 2018 01:50am

They are the true martyr. Oh Lord, bless them with your mercy.

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TAZONA

Jul 11, 2018 01:53am

Very sad news... RIP

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Kamran

Jul 11, 2018 02:06am

Why since last 2 terrorist attacks start to happen before elections. We have seen terrorist targeting some parties in 2013 elections (PPP, MQM, etc.), and now it is happening again. Who is behind all that fiasco?

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Ayub

Jul 11, 2018 02:12am

The atmosphere prevailing in the country is not conducive for a fair and transparent election. It would be good if a technocrats set up is installed for an interim period.

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khan

Jul 11, 2018 02:26am

very sad and heart-breaking news...condolences to Shaheed Bilour family !!

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Yasir Altaf

Jul 11, 2018 02:27am

Security situation has improved a alot compared to few years back but we should be vigilant enough ,not to give enemies of Pakistan , any chance to hit us again.
Peace.

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Asim

Jul 11, 2018 02:28am

This is literally appalling to see. This nation put so much energy, resources and blood to come out of this perpetual quagmire and here we go again. The armed forces must be deployed in full strength and the IB and the ISI must work hand in glove 24*7 to ensure the free and safe conduct of elections. After all no matter how much efficient you are against your enemies you can't be the finest intelligence agency on the planet if you can't anticipate their moves and protect yourself. After 71 years of a blood stained history this nation is finally starting to stand on its feet and take the baby steps towards stability. This is truly a watershed moment in Pakistan's history and no stone must be left unturned to ensure no derailment takes place.

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Pak-UK

Jul 11, 2018 02:29am

This is very sad. Security agencies should be held accountable for this failure. Terrorists must not get away and should be caught and brought to justice as soon as it can.

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Xenia

Jul 11, 2018 02:49am

Very Sad!

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Haq parast

Jul 11, 2018 03:49am

RIP..

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Truthful_Honest

Jul 11, 2018 03:53am

Very sad. RIP!

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Mohajir

Jul 11, 2018 04:21am

Complete failure of local police and security agencies. No lessons learned from Benazir Bhutto's attack incident.

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sukhera

Jul 11, 2018 05:18am

we need to tighten up the security at political gatherings where party leaders are present. Unfortunately this is not the first such attack in peshawar.

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A&A

Jul 11, 2018 05:30am

Really a very sad news, RIP

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MYRESPONSE

Jul 11, 2018 06:01am

RIP
Extremely grieved to know about the killings of innocent people in KP. My condolences to all those families whose near and dear ones were killed in today's heinous terrorist act.

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Wise2Win

Jul 11, 2018 07:43am

Can there be real democracy when the government is not able to provide security to the candidates?

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Ahsan Gul

Jul 11, 2018 08:58am

@Ayub - you guys use words like technocrats and don’t even know meanings and functions.
Our Pakistan is ready for clean elections. We had two bad governments in the name of democracy who destroyed our institutions and economic systems. They exported our wealth to buy foreign properties. Hopefully, we are done with that kind of politicians.

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Ot-teri

Jul 11, 2018 09:18am

Inna Lillahe wa Inna Ilehay rajion. :(

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Salman

Jul 11, 2018 09:19am

Very sad news, nation enemies are working behind the scene and we need to be vigilant.

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Umar Makhdumi

Jul 11, 2018 09:24am

Indeed a barbaric and savage terrorist attack on innocent civilians after considerable lull. All pillars of the state should unite together to foil the evil designs of these bigoted, nefarious forces who want Elections postponed and take Pakistan back to medieval ages.

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JAK

Jul 11, 2018 09:48am

RIP

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Dove

Jul 11, 2018 10:07am

RIP brother, truly brave son of a brave father!

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Asif

Jul 11, 2018 10:09am

@Sixer From Chakwal it is the time for Dua not for political propogation in favour of any one including Imran

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Majid

Jul 11, 2018 10:11am

The brave son of a brave father . RIP Haroon Bilour. This nation is proud of you.

So after Bashir Bilour Shaheed, it is his brave son Haroon Bilour who attained martyrdom. Awami National Party is one of those political groups that has faced the largest number of terror assaults on its leadership and workers. All politicians from right and left must unite and condemn terror attacks of this kind.

Inna lilllah-e-wa inna elehe rajeoon.

Rest in peace Haroon Sahib
You were a brave man.

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Ilyas

Jul 11, 2018 12:20pm

Peshawar bleeds again.....

May the souls of all rest in peace

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Pakistani

Jul 11, 2018 12:26pm

The US needs to act immediately to arrest or destroy indian backed terrorists operating out of afghanistan

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Zulfi

Jul 11, 2018 12:31pm

Very sad to hear this

RIP Haroon

Another cold-blooded and senseless murder. TTP needs to be completely annihilated

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Jovia

Jul 11, 2018 12:43pm

India needs to stop financing TTP.

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Amir Maseed

Jul 11, 2018 12:44pm

@Sixer From Chakwal Imran Khan can not eradicate corruption from Pakhtunkhwa or his own Party how will he do it for the whole of Pakistan. He only cares for Punjab only.

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Hasan

Jul 11, 2018 12:53pm

I've never cared for the politics of the ANP, but nobody can deny how much they have been made to suffer at the hands of the extremists - more than any other party. A tragic loss of precious, precious Pakistani life.

Hasan

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Nasir

Jul 11, 2018 01:03pm

2013 and 2018, same party is being targeted again. Clueless is at it's peak.

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Desi Dimag

Jul 11, 2018 01:27pm

RIP, never support terrorism anywhere in the world.

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saqib

Jul 11, 2018 02:01pm

Military needs to search and destroy this group. They have created enough problems for the country

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Karimd

Jul 11, 2018 02:41pm

@Pakistani really !!!!!!

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BhaRAT

Jul 11, 2018 02:48pm

India should stop financing TTP because they’ll have to pay the price

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Amer Rao

Jul 11, 2018 02:49pm

Its really very difficult time for Pakistan. Stay strong and stay alert Pakistan.

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Tawheed Alam

Jul 11, 2018 02:50pm

This Party has been under attack. they have a long Political History. another very important personality has been lost. if we search from ANP long History every Family have lost some of there very important young leaders since 1960s, when Wali Khan was the Opposition Leader against Zulfiqar Bhutto.

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Syed Zafar Kazmi U.S.A

Jul 11, 2018 03:13pm

It’s about time this TTP is completely annihilated from
the soil of Pakistan

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suma

Jul 11, 2018 03:38pm

There is no word to describe this.....Where from these terrorist come? Who these people are?

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Unitedwestand

Jul 11, 2018 04:27pm

RIP all souls and prayers for all those who are injured to get well soon.

May god give the strength and courage to the victims families to cope up with this terrific moment.

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Chinpakdost

Jul 11, 2018 04:33pm

RIP. Another sad day

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tipu sultan

Jul 11, 2018 09:32pm

Now is time for our Air force to bomb ttp hides out in Afghanistan. Take revange.