Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Pakistan Suicide Bombing Kills Moderate Cleric

By Drew Nelles,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 12, 2009 12:38 PM CDT

(Newser) – One of Pakistan’s most prominent anti-Taliban clerics was killed today in a suicide bomb attack, the Times of London reports. Sarfraz Ahmed Naeemi, who supported the Pakistan army’s campaign in the Swat Valley, died on the way to the hospital after an explosion at his Islamic college in Lahore. “There was blood and several people were crying in pain,” Naeemi’s son said.

Another attack around the same time killed three people in a Nowshera mosque. Authorities say the bombings are the Taliban’s revenge against their opponents; Naeemi last month established a 22-group alliance against the Taliban, and he appeared to be the target of today's attack. “It could not be an act of a Muslim to carry out an attack in a mosque,” a police chief said, denouncing the violence.

In this undated photo, Pakistan's prominent religious cleric Sarfraz Naeemi is seen. Naeemi was killed today in a suicide bombing.
In this undated photo, Pakistan's prominent religious cleric Sarfraz Naeemi is seen. Naeemi was killed today in a suicide bombing.   (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)
Pakistani authorities seen with a man, second from left, in connection with the suicide bomb attack in a seminary in Lahore, Pakistan, Friday, June 12, 2009.
Pakistani authorities seen with a man, second from left, in connection with the suicide bomb attack in a seminary in Lahore, Pakistan, Friday, June 12, 2009.   (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)
A Pakistani official, center, checks a room after the suicide attack in Lahore, Pakistan. Suicide bombers attacked a mosque and a religious school within minutes today in two cities.
A Pakistani official, center, checks a room after the suicide attack in Lahore, Pakistan. Suicide bombers attacked a mosque and a religious school within minutes today in two cities.   (AP Photo/K.M.Chaudary)
Pakistani religious students mourn death of Sarfraz Ahmed Naeemi.
Pakistani religious students mourn death of Sarfraz Ahmed Naeemi.   (AP Photo/K.M.Chaudary)
The ead body of Pakistani prominent religious cleric Sarfraz Naeemi, killed by a suicide attacker, lies on a stretcher at a local hospital in Lahore, Pakistan.
The ead body of Pakistani prominent religious cleric Sarfraz Naeemi, killed by a suicide attacker, lies on a stretcher at a local hospital in Lahore, Pakistan.   (AP Photo/K.M.Chaudary)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

40 Dead in Pakistan Suicide Attack

Taliban Recruits Child Suicide Bombers: Afghan Officials

Pakistan Bomber Kills 31

Suicide Bombers Kill 50 in Pakistan

NATO Supply Trucks Torched in Pakistan


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne