Special report: Pakistan situation

    ISLAMABAD, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- The death toll in a bomb blast at the rally of a political party in northwest Pakistan on Saturday rose to 30 Sunday, the official Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

    The Awami National Party (ANP) was holding an election rally in Shabqadar Tehsil of Charsadda district in North West Frontier Province (NWFP) when the blast took place.

    Interior Minister Hamid Nawaz Saturday confirmed that 14 people died in the blast and 24 others injured.

    However, local TV channels said that the death toll would be further increased because some victims were seriously injured when they were rushed to the Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar, capital city of NWFP.

    No group has claimed responsibility for the blast.

    The Interior Ministry earlier warned that political leaders in the country could probably be targeted by terrorists before the general elections slated on Feb. 18.

    Hamid Nawaz said the government would take more measures to protect political leaders.

    Afghan president condemns suicide attack in Pakistan

    KABUL, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai on Sunday put the suicide attack on terrorists that left over two dozens people dead in Pakistan and strongly condemned it.

    "Terrorists once again by shedding the blood of the innocent who gather for a peaceful rally showed their enmity against the rightful aspirations of the people," a statement released by Afghan Presidential palace said. Full story