MARDAN: Mardan police averted a sabotage bid on Thursday night as they defused about 15 kilograms explosive device thrown by militants near the Mardan Press Club.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Khalid Naseem quoting eye witnesses said that two terrorists riding a motorcycle threw an iron pipe near the press club building and the bomb disposal squad was called in, who after a search revealed that it was pipe bomb.

He said the bomb might have been aimed at targeting the press club building or the nearby hotel on Shamsi Road.

“Police have cordoned off the roads and searching for the accused, who according to reports had fled towards Guli Bagh area,” he remarked.

To a query, Khalid Naseem said that the bomb might have been placed to target the Press Club as there was no such other important target there. Office of Awami National Party (ANP) is also away from the spot from where the bomb was recovered, he added.