PESHAWAR – An independent candidate survived an assassination bid onSaturday in northwest Pakistan,link>police said, aday after 135 people were killed in attacks on poll rallies in the country.

Malik Riaz, an independent candidate from PK 93 constituency Lakki Marwatdistrict of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, was fired upon allegedly byworkers of the rival Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) party when he wasleading an electionlink>convoytowards the venue of a public meeting.

Mr. Riaz remained unhurt and safe, police said.

An FIR has been registered in the Asmatullah Shaheed police station Sarai eNaurang against the accused, including MMA candidate Malik Anwar Hayat,they said.

After the incident, Mr. Riaz in a statement alleged that Mr. Hayat and hissupporters fired at his convoy as the MMA candidate wanted him to withdrawfrom the contest.

Mr. Hayat also demanded Rs 50,000 extortion money from me, he furtheralleged.

At least 135 people, including Balochistan Awami Party leader NawabzadaSiraj Raisani, were killed and over 200 others injured yesterday in apowerful suicide blast and a targeted attack on separate election ralliesin Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.