Attock: Punjab home minister Shuja Khanzada and 11 others were killed Sunday when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives at the residence of the minister in Shadi Khan, Attock district, officials said. At least 20 people were wounded in the powerful blast.

Mr. Khanzada, who has been playing an active role in curbing sectarian terrorism and militancy in Punjab, was holding a meeting with residents of his constituency when the terror attack rattled the building. “People had come to condole the death of one of our uncles, who had died a few days ago,” Jahangir Khanzada, the son of the late minister told The Nation. 

At least 70 people were sitting in the 50x50 room when the blast took place. It forced the roof to collapse, trapping the visitors and Khanzada under the debris. 

Rescue workers and a troops from Quick Reaction Force of the army rushed to Shadi Khan as soon as the news spread. However, rescue work started late due to the remoteness of the area and lack of adequate equipment. By Sunday afternoon, a lone crane was busy in pulling out the debris as rescue workers scavenged through the pile of bricks and dirt.

The dead included a Deputy Superintendent Police Shoukat Shah and a gunman of the minister.

“The blast was so powerful that within a few seconds, the drawing room became a rubble of heap,” a survivor told The Nation.

The wounded have been ferried to nearby hospitals in Kamra and Attock.

Some residents pointed out that security was lax at the premises. Despite reports of life threats to the minister, no proper security checks were performed on the visitors. The gate of the Khanzada House was always open to the public.

There was speculation that the bombing was carried out by two suicide bombers. However, there was no official confirmation. 

*This is a developing story and will be updated continuously