This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/south_asia/6903272.stm

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 5 Version 6
Bomber targets Pakistan lawyers Bomber targets Pakistan lawyers
(about 7 hours later)
At least 12 people have been killed in a suicide bombing at a lawyers rally in Islamabad, Pakistani police say. Fifteen people have been killed and more than 40 wounded by a suicide bomb at a lawyers' rally in Pakistan.
Ousted chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhry was due to address the rally in the capital, but was not present at the time of the attack, officials said. Ousted chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhry was due to address the rally in the capital Islamabad, but was not present at the time of the attack.
Television footage showed blood at the scene of the bombing and several people lying motionless on the ground.Television footage showed blood at the scene of the bombing and several people lying motionless on the ground.
The attack appears to have been aimed at supporters of Mr Chaudhry, rather than at the judge himself. Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf strongly condemned the "terrorist attack" and appealed for calm.
He has been at the centre of growing anti-government protests ever since President Pervez Musharraf suspended him in March. Mr Chaudhry has been at the centre of growing anti-government protests ever since General Musharraf suspended him in March.
Mr Chaudhry denies allegations that he misused his office. He and his supporters say the charges are politically motivated. Justice Chaudhry denies allegations that he misused his office. He and his supporters say the charges are politically motivated.
Protests
Correspondents have described a scene of chaos at the site of the attack near the Supreme Court, with ambulances rushing to the scene.Correspondents have described a scene of chaos at the site of the attack near the Supreme Court, with ambulances rushing to the scene.
Some reports have put the death toll higher. A number of people were also injured. Unclear motive
Hospital and interior ministry officials say 15 people were killed and at least 43 injured in the blast.
Judge Chaudhry is a staunch opponent of President Musharraf
Witnesses said the bomber struck near where supporters of the opposition Pakistan People's Party (PPP) of Benazir Bhutto had gathered for the rally.Witnesses said the bomber struck near where supporters of the opposition Pakistan People's Party (PPP) of Benazir Bhutto had gathered for the rally.
Police said Mr Chaudhry was several kilometres away when the blast occurred.Police said Mr Chaudhry was several kilometres away when the blast occurred.
The BBC's Dan Isaacs in Islamabad says it is far from clear what the motive might have been for a suicide attack on the rally of lawyers.The BBC's Dan Isaacs in Islamabad says it is far from clear what the motive might have been for a suicide attack on the rally of lawyers.
At recent talks in London, the PPP distanced itself from the alliance of Islamic parties who also oppose President Musharraf.At recent talks in London, the PPP distanced itself from the alliance of Islamic parties who also oppose President Musharraf.
The PPP also backed the security forces' decision last week to storm the Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) in Islamabad where hard-line clerics and militants had waged a campaign for a strict Sharia law in recent months.The PPP also backed the security forces' decision last week to storm the Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) in Islamabad where hard-line clerics and militants had waged a campaign for a strict Sharia law in recent months.
In recent days, dozens of people have been killed in a spate of bombings in north-west Pakistan carried out by pro-Taleban militants opposed to Gen Musharraf.In recent days, dozens of people have been killed in a spate of bombings in north-west Pakistan carried out by pro-Taleban militants opposed to Gen Musharraf.
The Supreme Court, which has been hearing an appeal by Mr Chaudhry against his suspension, was expected to announce a verdict as early as Friday
Were you at the rally or nearby? What did you see? If you have any information you would like to share with the BBC you can do so using the form below:Were you at the rally or nearby? What did you see? If you have any information you would like to share with the BBC you can do so using the form below:
You can send pictures and video to: yourpics@bbc.co.uk or to send via MMS please dial +447725100100. At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.You can send pictures and video to: yourpics@bbc.co.uk or to send via MMS please dial +447725100100. At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.
Click here for terms and conditions on sending photos and videoClick here for terms and conditions on sending photos and video
Name:
 Name: