Peshawar blast may be backlash for Pak Army's Swat operation: Iftikhar

Peshawar, June 10 (ANI): NWFP Information Minister Iftikhar Hussain has termed the blast at the Pearl Continental hotel here as a reaction to the ongoing army offensive in the Swat and Malakand Division.

Talking to reporters, Hussain said people should be united in the face of the current situation now, as the possibility of a similar attack in the future cannot be ruled out.

"Government will take strict action against the security officials if there was security laps which led to this tragic incident", he vowed.

Geo News reported that explosive materials, weighing 500 kilograms, have been used amid explosion at the hotel.

According to sources, the death toll in the blast has mounted to 14 while as many as 40 people including women and foreigners are also among injured. (ANI)