Police said that a suicide bomber was stopped by the police personnel deployed at the entrance of encircled spot where large number of PML-Q workers were gathered to be addressed by Amir Muqam. Police said that suicide bomber blew himself up among large number of people.
Six people, including three police personnel, two civilians and children fell prey to the suicide bombing while 19 others including women sustained wounds.
The injured were shifted to District Headquarters Hospital Battagram for treatment and the spot of blast was cordoned off by the security officials.
In-charge of the DHQ Hospital Battagram, Dr Mehboob talking to private TV channel said that some of the injured were in critical condition.
Police said Amir Muqam was not at the venue when the bomb exploded while PML-Q workers said that Amir Muqam was the obvious target of the blast.
Later on Amir Muqam while talking to a private TV channel condemned the suicide attack and also prayed for the departed souls of the innocent people who fell prey to the blast. He said the evil intentions of the terrorists could not deter the resolve of the Pakistani people to eliminate terrorism.
When quizzed about the security arrangements, Amir Muqam said that one month earlier he has told the Inspector General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) about the public gathering and prior permission was sought for holding public gathering.
Amir Muqam said he was still stranded in the route leading the gathering spot because locals had blocked the road who were protesting against the long hours loadshedding.
He said that chief minister of KPK had also held public rally in the area but at that time the whole area was condoned off prior to his public speech, adding that he will examine the security situation only then will be able to make public the loopholes in the security system.
"To stop a suicide bomber is not an easy job," Amir Muqam admitted, adding that he inquire about the health of the injured party workers and also will condole with the bereaved families.
