The Lakki Marwat blast claimed nine lives and left more than 20 people injured after a powerful explosion ripped through the busy Naurang Bazaar area on Tuesday.
Police officials said the blast occurred near a rickshaw close to the Naurang police station in Sarai Naurang, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Several shops and vehicles were also damaged due to the intensity of the explosion.
District Police Officer Nazir Khan confirmed that 23 injured people were receiving treatment, while seven others with minor injuries had been discharged from hospital. Women and children were also among the injured.
Hospital authorities shifted the bodies of the victims to Naurang Hospital soon after the incident. Two traffic police personnel were also among those killed in the attack.
Following the Lakki Marwat blast, an emergency was declared at Sarai Naurang Hospital to handle the injured and provide immediate medical care.
Police believe a vehicle packed with more than one maund of explosive material was used in the attack. Investigators are examining whether the explosion was carried out through a suicide bombing or a remote-controlled device.
DPO Nazir Khan said terrorists had started targeting innocent civilians, adding that security agencies were collecting evidence to identify those responsible.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi termed the incident tragic and sought a detailed report from the Inspector General of Police. He assured that the provincial government would provide all possible support to the victims and their families.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed grief over the loss of lives in the Lakki Marwat blast. He said terrorism would not be allowed to disrupt peace and development in the country. The prime minister ordered a swift investigation and directed authorities to bring the attackers to justice.
Pakistan has witnessed a rise in terrorist incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan since 2021. Security concerns along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border have remained high despite several rounds of talks between the two countries.
