The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Peshawar

A suicide bomber in a rickshaw blew himself up near a police checkpost in northwestern Pakistan Tuesday, killing a policeman and two civilians and wounding several others, the army said.

The attack on the outskirts of Bannu city was the first suicide bombing to target security forces since Pakistan's new government came to power in March and launched negotiations with Taliban militants.

"The suicide bomber who was riding on a cycle rickshaw blew himself up when stopped by a policeman standing on a checkpost," an army statement said.

"Three persons embraced martyrdom including a policeman and two civilians while the suicider was killed in the blast. Four others were also injured."

Local police officer Iftikhar Khan said the bomber was blown to pieces by the force of the blast. He said that seven people were wounded.