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Politics : Idea Of The Day -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: IQBAL LATIF who wrote (46759)	7/30/2004 7:35:02 PM
From: IQBAL LATIF	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 50167

Shaukat survives bombing - Prime minister-in-waiting Shaukat Aziz survived a suicide bomb attack in Fateh Jang on Friday evening that killed seven people and injured another 44. * 7 including Aziz’s driver killed, 44 injured * President and PM condemn attack, order inquiry * Punjab Cooperatives Minister Col (r) Anwar among injured * Aziz says attack has strengthened his resolve Staff Report ISLAMABAD: Prime minister-in-waiting Shaukat Aziz survived a suicide bomb attack in Fateh Jang on Friday evening that killed seven people and injured another 44. The attack occurred at 7:20pm when Mr Aziz was leaving an election rally to get into his car. Witnesses said that as Mr Aziz stepped into his black bullet proof left-hand drive Mercedes Benz, a man who had tied explosives to his stomach blew himself up after dashing against his car. Witnesses said the suicide bomber and two people including Mr Aziz’s driver Abdul Rehman died instantly. Four injured people were taken to hospital in Fateh Jang. Among the injured was Punjab Cooperatives Minister Col (r) Anwar. The suicide bomber appeared to be in his late teens. Pakistan Muslim League Secretary General Mushahid Hussain told journalists that Mr Aziz had escaped unhurt. He suspected that the suicide bomber could have links with the group involved in attacks on President Pervez Musharraf. Mr Aziz reached his house in Islamabad at 8:40pm. National Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Amir Hussain, cabinet members and parliamentarians had rushed to his house before his arrival. Mr Aziz told Pakistan Television that he felt sorry for the loss of innocent lives but said the incident had strengthened his resolve to serve Pakistan. “I will work hard more vigorously for the country and this incident cannot stop me,” he said in his appearance before journalists after the incident. “I am here only to show that I am fine.” Chaudhry Amir Hussain said that it was a miracle that Mr Aziz was alive. “He is not in a sate of shock and is looking confident,” Mr Hussain added. President Musharraf immediately ordered a detailed report of the incident. He said the government would not be intimidated by such attacks and reaffirmed his commitment to continue the fight against terrorism, a press release said. He also expressed deep sorrow and grief for the loss of life. “Such dastardly acts were against Islam,” President Musharraf said. President Musharraf late on Friday chaired a meeting to review law and order. The meeting was in progress late into the night. Omar Ayub Khan, parliamentary secretary for finance, told Daily Times that he was about to get into his car parked 20 feet away from the black Mercedes at the time of the explosion. “My car’s glass smashed and I immediately rushed to the scene to find Mr Aziz safe and sound by the grace of God,” Mr Khan said. Mr Khan said that Mr Aziz kept calm and showed unusual courage. “How are the people,” Mr Khan quoted Mr Aziz as enquiring from his colleagues immediately after the explosion. Mr Khan said that Mr Aziz had sat in his car behind the driver’s seat when the suicide bomber who was standing on the left side of the car detonated the explosives. Prime Minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain also condemned the suicide attack on Mr Aziz and directed the Punjab government to investigate the incident and arrest the culprits. Shujaat also talked to Mr Aziz on the phone. Meanwhile, army personnel have been deployed at Mr Aziz’s house in Islamabad. Interior Minister Faisal Salah Hayat has ordered law enforcement agencies to increase security in Attock and Tharparkar, where Mr Aziz is contesting by-polls from two constituencies.