Five killed in Pakistan grenade attack

Islamabad – At least five people were killed and two others injured Sunday evening in a hand grenade attack at a meeting in northwest Pakistan, media reported.

The incident took place when a person hurled a hand grenade at a tribal elders’ meeting in Madrah area of Lower Orakzai, Pakistan’s northwestern tribal region, said media reports, Xinhua reported.

The attack killed four people on the spot while two others sustained injuries.

The attacker tried to escape after the attack but a local resident opened fire at him and killed him on the spot.

The bodies and wounded were shifted to hospital. Both the injured are said to be in stable condition.

The local elders of the area were holding an important annual meeting to plan the security arrangement for the upcoming sacred Islamic month of Muharram when the attack took place.

Security forces and officials of the civil administration rushed to the site and started an investigation into the incident.

There was no immediate report about the identification of the attacker. No group claimed responsibility for the attack yet.