Pakistan: Suicide bomber kills ANP party leader in Peshawar July 10 /update 1

Event

A suspected suicide bomber attacked an Awami National Party (ANP) rally in Peshawar during the evening (local time) on Tuesday, July 10. The bomber detonated his device near the vehicle of ANP leader Haroon Bilour in the Yakatoot area, killing him and at least three other people. Dozens more people were also wounded in the blast. As of July 10, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Context

On July 9, the National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta) announced that almost all of the leaders of the main political parties were facing serious security threats. Multiple attacks have occurred in recent weeks leading up to the July 25 general election. A Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) office was targeted in a bombing on July 3 in Ramzak. In early July, a Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) candidate was wounded in an attack on his convoy in Bannu.

Advice

Individuals in Peshawar are advised to avoid the area of the blast and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities. More generally, individuals in Pakistan are advised to avoid all political gatherings.

As a reminder, due to the high threat of terrorism, kidnapping, and sectarian violence throughout the country, Western governments usually advise their citizens against all nonessential travel to Pakistan. Remain vigilant at all times and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.