Pakistan - bomb blast

At least 25 die in market bombing

Article published on the 2009-09-18 Latest update 2009-09-18 16:07 TU

A checkpoint in Mingora in the Swat Valley in north-west Pakistan
(Photo: Reuters)

At least 25 people have been killed by a bombing on a crowded market in north-west Pakistan. A suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle in the town of Ustarzai, according to police.

Shops, vehicles and a restaurant were destroyed by the blast in Usturzai, which liess on a main road between the garrison city of Kohat and Hangu, most of whose population is from the Shia-Muslim majority.

The area was packed with shoppers preparing for the Eid-al-Fitr holiday, which starts when the holy month of Ramadan ends, probably  on Monday in Pakistan.

The attack took place near a bus stop where passenger buses arrive and leave for towns across the north-west of the country.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani condemned the "cowardly act of terrorism" and expressed grief over the loss of life, his office said in a statement.

Gilani "expressed the government's determination to stamp out the menace of terrorism and militancy from the country".