This Article is From Nov 02, 2009

Pakistan: Blast in Rawalpindi, over 30 killed

Pakistan: Blast in Rawalpindi, over 30 killed
Rawalpindi: Over 30 people were killed and 25 others injured in a blast outside Shalimar Plaza, a popular hotel complex in Rawalpindi, on Monday.

Mohammed Iqbal, CCPO Rawalpindi, said the blast appeared to a suicide attack. Security had been tightened and the area cordoned off, he said. The injured had been moved to hospitals.

The blast, which took place at 10:30 am, reportedly destroyed the front of the complex on the busy Mall Road. A branch of the National Bank of Pakistan, located in the Shalimar Plaza, took the brunt of the blast. The bank was crowded as Monday was the first working day of the month and many people were at the bank to collect salaries.

Cars parked near the hotel were blown up and buildings nearby damaged. Many important banks and offices are located in the area.

Pakistani media reported that all schools across Rawalpindi had been closed after the blast. Security officials were escorting school children home.

The site of the blast is just 200 metres from the Pakistani army's headquarters, GHQ. Last month, militants wearing army uniforms attacked the tightly guarded headquarters. The militants killed six soldiers. Four militants too died in the gun battle.
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