LAKKI MARWAT: At least one person was killed and nine others, including two women, were injured on Monday after an explosion targeted a private factory bus in the Novardah Khail area of Lakki Marwat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to police, the incident occurred within the jurisdiction of Lakki City Police Station when a bus transporting workers to a cement factory was hit by an explosive device near Baghokhel Road. The blast caused severe damage to the vehicle, resulting in casualties among the passengers.
District Police Spokesperson Qudratullah stated that the attack was carried out by militants linked to Fitna al-Khawarij, a term used by the state for terrorists associated with the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Emergency services rushed the injured to a nearby hospital, where all victims are receiving medical treatment. Hospital authorities confirmed that at least two of the injured remain in critical condition.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident, while security in the area has been tightened. A search operation has also been initiated to trace those responsible for the attack.
The incident comes amid a sharp rise in militant violence across Pakistan in 2025. Despite record terrorist fatalities in previous operations, the country has witnessed a significant escalation in attacks. Terrorist incidents increased by 34 percent year-on-year, while related fatalities rose by 21 percent.
According to data released by the Islamabad-based Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), a total of 699 terrorist attacks were recorded nationwide during the year, resulting in at least 1,034 deaths and 1,366 injuries. Analysts say the figures reflect a growing trend of militancy since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021.
Earlier this week, four police personnel, including three traffic police officials, were martyred in separate firing incidents in Lakki Marwat and Bannu districts.