Pakistan vows to continue fight against Islamist militants

The Pakistani government said today it would push ahead with its fight against al-Qaida and Taliban militants and work to ensure a peaceful election campaign after a suicide attack at a mosque near the Afghan border killed at least 50 people.

Former Interior Minister Aftab Khan Sherpao, the apparent target of Friday’s bombing, escaped unhurt. Mr Sherpao, who was heavily involved in operations aimed at eliminating al-Qaida and the Taliban, survived a similar attack eight months ago.