A devastating bomb blast in a crowded bazaar in northwestern Pakistan killed at least nine people and wounded more than two dozen others on Tuesday, according to local officials. The explosion occurred in the town of Sarai Norag, located in Lakki Marwat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
The bomb had been rigged to a rickshaw, which detonated in the bustling market area during peak shopping hours. Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with bodies scattered and debris covering the ground. Rescue teams rushed to the site, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals.
Attack Details
Police officials confirmed that the improvised explosive device (IED) was attached to a three-wheeled rickshaw, a common mode of transport in the region. The blast caused extensive damage to nearby shops and vehicles. No group has claimed responsibility yet, but suspicion falls on militant groups active in the area.
The district administration has declared a state of emergency in local hospitals, calling for blood donations. Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched an investigation. The death toll is expected to rise as some of the wounded are in critical condition.
Government Response
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, expressing condolences to the victims' families and ordering a high-level inquiry. He reiterated the government's commitment to eradicating terrorism. Provincial authorities have also increased security measures in the region.
Lakki Marwat has seen sporadic violence in recent years, but such a large-scale attack in a civilian area is rare. The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Pakistan's border regions.
International leaders have also condemned the bombing, with the United Nations calling for swift justice. The blast adds to a series of violent incidents in the country, raising concerns about the effectiveness of counter-terrorism efforts.
