Many killed several injured in blast at market in Northwest Pakistan
At least 9 people were killed and several others injured after a powerful blast ripped through a crowded market in northwestern Pakistan today, according to emergency officials.
The explosion occurred at Naurang Bazar, triggering panic among shoppers and residents as emergency teams rushed to the scene. Visuals from the area showed damaged shops, debris scattered across the market and a heavily damaged vehicle.
According to emergency response agency Rescue 1122, around 30 people sustained injuries in the blast, with several reported to be in critical condition.
Authorities said critically injured victims were shifted to hospitals in Bannu for treatment.
Mohammad Ishaq, Medical Superintendent at THQ Hospital, said the hospital had received at least 37 injured persons following the incident.
The blast comes days after a deadly attack on a police post in Pakistan’s Bannu district, where a car bombing followed by an ambush killed 15 police personnel.
Pakistan has blamed Afghanistan-based militants for the recent attacks and lodged a strong protest with the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan.
The Taliban administration has denied harbouring militants targeting Pakistan and described militancy inside Pakistan as an internal issue.
Relations between the two neighbouring countries have remained tense in recent months. Earlier this year, Islamabad carried out airstrikes inside Afghanistan, claiming it was targeting militant hideouts allegedly used for attacks in Pakistan.
No group has so far claimed responsibility for Tuesday’s market blast.
Security agencies have launched an investigation into the explosion while rescue operations continue in the affected area.
