22 killed in suicide attack on Shiite procession

A suicide bombing ripped through a Shiite Muslim procession today in north-western Pakistan, killing at least 22 people, injuring dozens and sparking riots during the Muslim sect’s most important holiday.

Army troops took control of the area and a curfew was imposed as the Shiites vented their anger by burning shops and cars in Hangu, about 125 miles south-west of the capital, Islamabad, said district police chief Ayub Khan.

Ghani ur-Rehman, the top district administrator, said 22 people were reported killed and more than 50 injured.

He said more than 60% of the town bazaar had been burned down in the violence that followed the bombing.