Islamabad: At least nine persons were killed and 20 others injured in a suicide attack in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, on Monday. The blast took place in a crowded bus at Pir Wadhai Chowk in Rawalpindi.
The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals by ambulances and the condition of four of them was said to be critical.
Many of the victims were hit by ball bearings that were packed into the jacket of the suicide bomber and several vehicles were severely damaged by the blast.
Interior Ministry Chief Rehman Malik told reporters the suicide bomber could have caused widespread destruction if he had been able to target political workers and leaders who had gathered for a protest organised by lawyers and political parties.
Police officials said the bomber's explosives could have detonated prematurely before he could strike his intended target.
Security personnel have cordoned off the area.
Malik said law enforcement agencies will remain on alert as intelligence reports had said there could be a "series of suicide attacks" on key buildings and important personalities.
The terrorists had also drawn up plans for target killings, he said.
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