ISLAMABAD: Leaders of Pakistani political parties on Thursday condemned a suicide blast that targeted an election rally of Awami National Party (ANP) in Peshawar on Tuesday night.
Talking to Radio Pakistan, they said that democracy is the only way to defeat terrorism and urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to provide security to the candidates in highly sensitive constituencies.
Pakistan Muslim League-N leader Maiza Hameed said that ANP leader Haroon Bilour, who was killed in the blast, worked hard for strengthening democracy in the country.
She said that it is the time to take proactive measures in order to avoid such incidents in future. "The Election Commission of Pakistan should take measures to provide protection to candidates who are under threat and there should be strong cooperation between interim government, ECP and security agencies in this regard", she added.
She said that almost all the political parties have temporarily suspended their political activities to show solidarity with Bilour’s family.
Awami National Party leader Bushra Gohar said that Haroon Bilour was a dedicated worker of the party and during the last elections his father Bashir Bilour had been killed by the terrorists.
She said Peshawar is in a state of shock over death of Haroon Bilour and other party workers and supporters. She said the ANP would resume its election campaign after three days of mourning.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Nafeesa Shah condemned the tragic incident and such attacks can never weaken the resolve of the nation against terrorism.
She said PPP strongly believes in strengthening democracy. "I salute the courage and determination of ANP that they have decided to participate in general elections despite this tragic incident."
