Bomb in northwest Pakistan wounds four: army

A bomb exploded outside an army media office in northwestern Pakistan's troubled Swat region on Saturday, injuring two soldiers and two civilians, the army said.

"It was a bomb explosion on the road outside the media office of the army in Saidu Sharif," the main town in the Swat Valley, chief military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas said.

"Four people are injured, two civilians and two soldiers. They have been evacuated, their condition is out of danger," Abbas said.

The blast happened hours after a suicide bomber killed at least 37 people at an opposition political rally in a troubled tribal area bordering Afghanistan, just two days before crucial elections.

Earlier this week, a roadside bomb hit an election candidate's car in Swat on Wednesday killing two people and wounding two others including the candidate, officials said.

The Swat Valley was a famed tourist spot until the middle of last year when it became a flashpoint for violence between the military and followers of a hardline pro-Taliban cleric who tried to establish Islamic sharia law.

The military launched an offensive in the Swat valley in November against the cleric, Maulana Fazlullah, killing and arresting hundreds of militants but failing to capture Fazlullah.

Earlier today, a suicide blast killed 37 people and wounded dozens at an election rally in Pakistan's troubled tribal belt. The bomber had attacked a Pakistan People's Party meeting outside the office of a local election candidate.

The attack in Parachinar heightened fears for the security of general elections due on Monday. (AFP)