After narrowly escaping a suicide attack that targeted his convoy in Balochistan's Zhob, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Sirajul Haq said Friday he is not afraid of dying.
The suicide bomber exploded himself right beside his vehicle, which according to Saleem Safi was not bulletproof, but fortunately, everyone inside it remained safe.
However, at least seven people were injured and among them, four were said to be in critical condition.
Footage showed smoke rising close to the vehicle in which the JI chief was purportedly travelling. As the smoke cleared, a dead body, allegedly that of the attacker could be seen.
"I am not afraid of death. The decision of my life and death rests with Allah," the former provincial minister told a public gathering, which went on as scheduled despite the suicide attack.
The JI chief slammed the incumbent rulers for ongoing inflation and dismal economic situation, saying that a "self-serving group has taken the country hostage".
"If the people choose the right representatives, the country can develop and prosper," Haq added.
Meanwhile, JI spokesperson Qaiser Sharif said a few vehicles had also been damaged in the attack.
The latest attack on a political personality comes as the nation witnesses a rise in terrorism, with security forces ramping up operations to defeat militants.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the incident and directed the Balochistan government to investigate the attack from all angles and bring the perpetrators to justice.
He also prayed for the complete and quick recovery of the injured.
Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo also condemned the attack and expressed grief over the injuries.
"Terrorists want to achieve their evil goals by spreading unrest. We will not allow terrorist elements and their handlers to succeed in their impure objectives," he asserted.
President Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari strongly also condemned the suicide attack.
In a message issued here by the party secretariat, Zardari said the planners of the suicide attack should be arrested and brought to justice.
He expressed good wishes for the JI chief and prayed for the speedy recovery who were injured in the attack.
Police say unidentified assailants targeted Customs officials on Sago Road in Daraban tehsil
"Such statements being made to serve condemned political motives and to spread anarchy so that no investment comes...
President addresses joint sitting to mark beginning of parliamentary year after Feb 8 elections
DPO says elite security squad’s vehicle hit youngster's bike while trying to overtake it in Narowal
Metropolis receives light rain in various areas including Numaish Chowrangi, MA Jinnah Rd, Saddar and others
NDMA instructs departments to ensure availability of necessary manpower, machinery in vulnerable areas.