Six Killed in Pakistan Suicide Bomb Blast

At least six supporters of an independent candidate for the February 18 elections were killed today in a suicide bomb attack in Pakistan, officials said.

Nisar Ali Khan was campaigning in Eidak near the Afghan border when the suicide bomber attacked. Six people died, with nine more supporters reportedly wounded. Khan escaped unhurt.

"We were having a meeting at a roadside place with Nisar and his supporters when the explosion occurred," said Haji Nakim Khan, a tribal leader among the wounded.

It is not clear whether the bomber blew himself up, or drove his car into Khan's vehicle.

Khan is supported by the Awami National party and seen as a rival to hardline Islamic groups, including the Taliban.

Violence has intensified in Pakistan in the run-up to the election. Two days ago, another suicide bomber killed 16 people at an ANP rally in the north-west town of Charsadda, while six died in an attack last week in the garrison city of Rawalpindi.

More than 400 people have been killed in clashes between troops and militants, and bomb and suicide attacks this year.

The February 18 polls had been postponed last month after the assassination of the opposition leader, Benazir Bhutto.