60 die in Pakistan bombings

Pakistan, still reeling from the political turmoil occasioned by president Pervez Musharraf's resignation this week, was taken closer to the brink yesterday when a double suicide bombing killed more than 60 people at a military ordinance factory.

Two bombers blew themselves up at the gates to the factory in Wah, 18 miles from the capital Islamabad, during the changing of the afternoon shifts to maximise casualties.

The attacks are part of a year-long campaign by militants whose prime objective has been to undermine democracy in the Asian state. The strategy of tension comes as the country's leading parties bicker over who will replace Musharraf.

The Taliban have claimed the attack on Wah, the biggest ordinance manufacturing facility in Pakistan which is under constant guard from the Pakistan army.

They said the bombings were in response to air strikes by the Pakistan air force against militants in Bajaur, in the disputed border territories the country shares with Afghanistan.

It emerged yesterday that one of the leading contenders for the vacant position of president could be Asif Zardari, the leader of the Pakistan People's Party and also widower of the assassinated former prime minister Benzhir Bhutto.