The Pakistani Taliban claim a bomb attack at a rally that killed 21 people

PESHAWAR (Pakistan) – The Pakistani Taliban on Wednesday claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing during a rally that killed a secular politician and 20 others two weeks ahead of the country's national elections. country.

Mohammad Khurasani, a spokesman The Pakistani Taliban confirmed that the militant group was targeting a rally of the Awami National Party in the northwestern city of Peshawar. The bombing killed Haroon Ahmed Bilour, a candidate for a seat in the provincial legislature. 6500 people were injured.

Islamic extremists scorned the Awami national party when it ran Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, of which Peshawar is the capital, from 2008 to 2013. Meanwhile, the army led a major offensive against the militants. in the Swat Valley, in the province. Activists reacted by conducting a wave of attacks ahead of the 2013 elections, killing hundreds of supporters of the Awami National Party.

Bilour's father, Bashir Ahmed Bilour, was killed by a kamikaze in 2012.

Funeral prayers for the Haroon Ahmed Bilour in a Peshawar park Wednesday afternoon, including supporters, political leaders and ordinary citizens. Some carried banners hiring Bilour and criticized the government for failing to provide adequate security.

Party leader Asfandar Wali promised that, despite the murder, the Awami national party was still not discouraged

. the political arena and the election race happen whatever happens, "Wali said.

The Pakistani Taliban said that Tuesday night's attack was a revenge of the ANP regime and promised new attacks of this type. He called on people to stay away from ANP gatherings.

Bilour's family called on his followers to stay calm.

"I am also ready to sacrifice my life for your rights, but I ask you The 16-year-old son Daniyal, who was injured in the bombing, told his supporters at home [19659010] The attack was condemned by the political parties and the government.Interim Prime Minister Nasir-ul-Mulk ordered the authorities to secure peace during the vote of July 25.

Tuesday , the army announced that it would deploy more than 370,000 security forces in the polling stations.It is more than five times the number of soldiers deployed in the last elections in 2013, while the security situation was much worse.

Maj. General Asif Ghafoor, an army spokesman, said the troops would provide security in 85,000 polling stations and carry out other duties Election-related at the request of the civilian body overseeing the vote Nearly 135 0 00 soldiers were recalled to retirement

. The bombing was the first major attack since the death of Mullah Fazlullah during a US drone strike in Afghanistan in June. The Pakistani Taliban named Mufti Noor Wali Mahsud shortly after their new leader

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Ahmed reported from Islamabad.