Asia-Pacific

Pakistani PM condemns suicide attack on soldiers

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-02-10 14:06

PESHAWAR, Pakistan - Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Thursday condemned the terrorist attack at an army training center in the country's northwest, which killed at least 18 soldiers.

A bomber, wearing school uniform, struck the troops at the highly secured parade ground in Mardan city, said Abdul Samad Khan, a police officer. He said that over 20 soldiers were also injured in the attack.

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The prime minister reiterated that such cowardly attacks cannot affect moral of the security agencies and resolve of the Nation to eradicate terrorism, a statement from the PM office said.

While commiserating with the bereaved families, the prime minister directed the concerned quarters to provide best medical care to the injured.

The injured were transferred to a military hospital in Mardan, some 60 kilometers northeast of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Several critical injured were shifted to Peshawar and local TV channels reported that death toll may rise.

TV channels reported that the bomber blew himself up at the Punjab Regiment Center, a unit of Pakistani Army, around 8:30 am, when the soldiers were busy in a routine training.

The banned Pakistani Taliban outfit, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, has claimed the responsibility for the suicide attack, sources said. Taliban militants have launched at least two attacks on the military center in the past.

The army sealed the road and only allowed ambulances to transfer the injured. The army conducted the rescue and relief operation.

Witnesses said private and military ambulances were seen heading to the blast site and emergency was declared in the city's military hospital. Armed soldiers were shown guarding main gates of the center.

Residents said the explosion was huge and people in most parts of the city heard its bang. Markets near the army center were also closed after the suicide attack.