Attack targets Pakistan's next prime minister

[varun]

Musharraf is virtually under house arrest...he's afraid to venture out in his own country.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20040731/PAKISTAN31/TPInternational/Africa

At least six killed in assassination attempt, revealing fragility of country's leadership

By VICTORIA BURNETT
Special to the Globe and Mail
Saturday, July 31, 2004 - Page A13

ISLAMABAD -- The man chosen by General Pervez Musharraf to become Pakistan's next prime minister narrowly escaped assassination yesterday when a suicide bomber attacked his motorcade, killing at least six people and wounding dozens more.

The attack came as Shaukat Aziz, who is expected to take over as prime minister by the end of August, was preparing to leave a rally in Fatehjang, a town just south of the capital, Islamabad. The 55-year-old Finance Minister escaped unhurt but his driver was killed and more than 30 others were wounded, officials said...

[dArKeR]

1. As usual, al-Qaeda is being blamed for the suicide - TT

Attempt on life of PM kills eight
PAKISTAN: As usual, al-Qaeda is being blamed for the suicide bombing attack which failed to kill Shaukat Aziz, though there is no clear evidence of its involvement

Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda network might be behind the failed assassination attempt against Pakistan's prime minister-designate, a senior Cabinet minister said yesterday, though investigators are still pouring over the evidence.

The death toll from the suicide bomb attack Friday against Shaukat Aziz, meanwhile, rose to eight, with about three dozen injured, said Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2004/08/01/2003181258