Bomb explosion kills at least 40 people at Islamist political rally in Pakistan | World News
A bomb at a rally being held by supporters of a hardline cleric and political leader in Pakistan has killed at least 35 and injured more than 50 people.
Dozens of people were also injured in the explosion in north-west Bajaur district, where Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) was holding a meeting.
Police said the workers convention of Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s Jamiat Ulema Islam party was taking place on the outskirts of Khar.
Senior police officer Nazir Khan said some of those injured were taken to the city’s main hospital in critical condition and the death toll could increase.
Mr Rehman is considered to be a pro-Taliban cleric and his political party is part of the coalition government in Islamabad.
It is not known whether Mr Rehman was present. Meetings are being organised across the country to mobilise supporters for upcoming elections.
The authorities have declared a health emergency at the district hospital.
A regional leader of the JUI-F, Maulana Ziaullah, was killed in the blast, local officials have said.
This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.
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