December 25, 2002	Wednesday	Shawwal 20, 1423

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RAWALPINDI, Dec 24: At least 10 people were injured after a low intensity bomb went off at Pirwadhai bus stand on Tuesday at 4:15pm, the police said.

The device, which was believed to be wrapped up in a plastic bag, was placed in a veranda where more than 200 people were waiting for the stoppage of rain.

According to the bomb disposal experts, “it was a half pound weight bomb usually used in making fire crackers.” They said no damage to the property was caused, however, some people received injuries.

Eye-witnesses said, after the explosion, people started running in different directions. On hearing the screams of the injured, some people returned and started rescue operation. The injured were later shifted to the Holy Family and District Headquarter hospitals by the people.

Five of the injured, admitted at the DHQ hospital, are Gul Ghani Khan, 35, Sakhi Gul Khan, 35, Ziad Gul, 25, Tahir Mehmood and Abdul Qadeer, 17. They all belong to Bajaur Agency.

Abdul Qadeer, an inured vendor, said he was present in the veranda when explosion occurred with a big bag. “I received injuries after splinters of the bomb hit me.” he said and added that he saw nothing except people running in haste.

The other injured persons, who were shifted to the HFH, included Abid Aziz, Javaid Iqbal, Naveed and Abkar Deen. However, Abid Aziz is said to be in critical condition. According to a doctor, Abid is being operated upon, as he sustained injuries in the chest.

The SSP Rawalpindi, Syed Moravat Ali Shah, said it was a low intensity explosion, which caused no damage. The explosive material was put in a plastic bag with some peanuts, he said adding the people sustained injuries after being hit by the concrete that uprooted due to explosion.

He said: “No body has so far been taken into custody in connection with the incident, however, the injured would be questioned.”

Two eye-witnesses, Ismail and Taj Wali Khan, said: “The explosion occurred all of a sudden and we left our shops so as to protect ourselves but saw no suspicious person there.”

Meanwhile, some people, who sustained minor injuries, left for home.

APP ADDS: The information minister, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, has said the government will make allout efforts to nab the culprits behind Tuesday’s explosion at Pirwadhai bus terminal.