US condemns 'cowardly' attacks on political candidates in Pakistan
What's the story
The US today strongly condemned the attacks on Pakistani political candidates and their supporters, describing them as "cowardly attempts" to deprive the people of their democratic rights. At least 133 people, including Balochistan Awami Party leader Nawabzada Siraj Raisani, were killed and over 200 others injured yesterday in a targeted suicide blast on separate election rallies in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. Here's more.
Deadliest attack
We stand with people of Pakistan: US Dept spokesperson
Yesterday's violence was the deadliest in a series of assaults on political candidates ahead of Pakistan's July-25 polls. "These attacks are cowardly attempts to deprive the Pakistanis of their democratic rights. We grieve with those mourning the victims and hope for a rapid-recovery of those injured. We stand with the people of Pakistan in their fight against terrorism" State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said.