Seven killed in power station attack

The fallout of an attack on a major power station in northwest Pakistan on Tuesday.

Dozens of suspected militants attacked the station with mortars and rocket- propelled grenades, killing at least seven, according to police.

A policeman and a security guard died on the spot, while five others died after being kidnapped.

Four kidnapped employees were still reported missing.

The assault, in the run-up to general elections on May 11, cut off electricity to half of Peshawar.

It served as a reminder that Pakistan's leaders have failed to tackle a potent Taliban insurgency, despite a series of security crackdowns.

Pakistan's Taliban, which is close to al Qaeda, has threatened to escalate violence ahead of the polls.

However, there was no immediate claim of responsibility.