JI's Siraj survives suicide attack in Balochistan.

PESHAWAR -- Jamaat: e: Islami chief Siraj: ul: Haq on Friday survived a suicide bomb blast that targeted his convoy near the Zhob area of Balochistan on Friday, police and rescue workers said. The alleged suicide attacker was killed when he was trying to reach the convoy of Amir of Jamaat Islami (JI) Siraj Ul Haq, a major religious political party. According to police sources, five people were also injured in the blast. The injured were shifted to the hospital. Police also confirmed the killing of the suicide bomber.

JI Secretary General Amir: ul: Azeem on Friday confirmed that JI chief Sirajul Haq survived a bomb blast that targeted his convoy near the Zhob area of BalochAistan. Police confirmed that there was an explosion near Siraj: ul: Haq's convoy in Zhob and JI Amir Sirajul Haq survived the blast. Prime Minister Shehbaz SharAif has strongly condemned the suicide attack on the convoy of Jamaat: e: Islami Chief Sirajul Haq.

In a statement on Friday, he expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious human lives in the incident. The prime minister prayed for eternal peace for the departed souls and also commiserated with the bereaved famiAlies. Ordering a thorough probe into the incident, Shehbaz Sharif directed the auAthorities concerned to provide the best medical facilities to the injured.

According to the party, the JI chief, SirAaj: ul: Haq, was on his way to address a public rally in Zhob district, located about 340 kilometers away from QuetAta, when his caravan came under attack.

Abdul Kabir Shakir, the party's vice: president in Balochistan, said the JI chief was traveling with him and the parAty's top provincial leader, Abdul Haque Hashmi, when the bomber detonated himself near their vehicle.

'The suicide bomber targeted the vehiAcle by blowing himself up right next to our door, but all three of us and our drivAer luckily remained unhurt,' he said. He added seven JI workers were injured in the explosion while four of them were in 'critical condition.' The bomber himself was killed in the incident.

Shakir confirmed the rally would take place as per schedule.

'It will conclude after the speech of the Amir of Jamaat,' he added.

Sher Ali, a local police officer, said the bomber's suicide vest did not fully detAonate, resulting in fewer casualties. No group has so far claimed responsibiliAty for the attack. The Pakistani Taliban dissociated themselves from the attack while condemning it in a statement.

SENATOR KAKAR'S...