SWABI: A bomb targeted the residence of MPA Babar Saleem in Maneri Bala village here in early hours on Monday, said police. They said that no one was injured in the explosion.

District police officer Sajjad Khan told Dawn that an investigation had been launched into the incident to trace the culprits. The police officer said at this stage he couldn’t tell as to who was involved in the incident and what was their motive.

However, another police official said that the planting of explosives indicated that militants were involved in the incident.

He said that an FIR had been registered against unidentified suspects in the city police station and further investigations began.

When contacted, Mr Saleem said that he was in Peshawar when the blast occurred, adding that he was informed about the occurrence by his family. He said that an explosive device planted by the entrance gate of the house went off at 3am when his family was sleeping.

The lawmaker said that the blast blew up the gate and also damaged walls of the house.

Mr Saleem said he contacted the police officials who assured him of all possible help to trace the culprits. He said that the explosion created panic among the people of the locality.

Mr Babar is the son of late Dr Mohammad Saleem, founder of Swabi Qaumi Mahaz. He was elected to parliament from PK-31, Swabi-1 in May 2013 elections on Awami Jamhoori Ittehad Pakistan ticket.

Published in Dawn, November 25th , 2014