Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir escapes bid on life

A Pakistani journalist and TV anchor had a narrow escape today when explosives were found attached under his car, media reports said.

Hamid Mir, a senior anchor with a television channel, was returning home from a market in Islamabad when his neighbour's driver spotted a suspicious bag underneath Mir's car.

A bomb disposal squad was immediately called and they successfully defused the bomb containing around half a kilogram of explosive material, a report said.

The explosive material included a battery, a detonator and ball bearings.

Micro-blogging website Twitter was abuzz with condemnation against the assassination attempt.

Noted Pakistani human rights activist Ansar Burney wrote on Twitter: "Strongly condemn targeted attempt on Hamid Mir life by planting heavy explosive under his car (sic)."

Umar Cheema, an investigative journalist, wrote: Stay safe @HamidMirGeo. You're precious, I told you every time... you're the bravest journalist I have seen in my life. But please remember it is important to STAY ALIVE to FIGHT.... HamidMirGeo fought for all, even those fighting each others. We have to jealously guard you my friend. Brave like you aren't born everyday."

Fiza Batool Gilani, Pakistan's goodwill ambassador for women's empowerment, wrote: "Strongly condemn the cowardly attempt on life of @HamidMirGEO. May Allah be with you. Stay strong & steadfast!"