Bombing at political rally kills 9 in Pakistan

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — Pakistani officials say a suicide bomber has killed nine people including a provincial government official at a political rally held by a party that has opposed the Taliban.

The rally in Peshawar, in northwestern Pakistan, was held by the Awami National Party, whose members have been repeatedly targeted by the Taliban.

Officials say the second most senior member of the provincial Cabinet was among the dead. He was leaving the rally after delivering the keynote speech when the attack occurred. Over 20 others were wounded by the blast.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the bombing in a statement, reiterating the United Nations' support for Pakistani efforts "to combat the scourge of terrorism."

One party official says "Terrorism has engulfed our whole society." As he puts it, "They are targeting our bases, our mosques, our bazars, public meetings and our security checkpoints."