Taliban takes responsibility for bomb plot against Pakistan journalist Zahid Mir

Islamabad: The Pakistani Taliban on Tuesday claimed responsibility for a foiled plot to assassinate a high-profile television anchor Hamid Mir by planting a bomb in his car.

“We will continue targeting journalists who propagate a secular agenda and side with the government,” Ihsanullah Ihsan, a spokesman for the Pakistani Taliban said on Tuesday.

Mir, a senior Geo News anchor was returning to his house in Islamabad on Monday when a passerby spotted a bomb attached to his car. A bomb disposal squad was called and it successfully defused the bomb containing half a kilogram of explosive materials.

Some reports suggested Mir had received threats from the Taliban for condemning an attack by militants on teenage rights activist Malala Yousufzai, who was shot in the head by Taliban fighters.

Malala is currently being treated for her injuries in Britain.