Nine dead and 35 injured in an explosion at a market in Pakistan

The blast took place in Sarai Naurang town, in Lakki Marwat district, Deputy Commissioner Hamidullah Khan confirmed in a telephone conversation.

“I am currently in the hospital, so far nine bodies have been brought here. At least 35 injured people are also undergoing treatment,” he added.

Two policemen were among the dead, the official said, adding that it is suspected that the explosives were planted in a cargo rickshaw.

Khan, who visited the hospital to oversee the rescue operation, said around 10 injured were in a critical condition and have been shifted to hospitals in Bannu district. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

Security forces cordoned off the area and launched an investigation into the blast, while rescue teams continued to transfer the injured to nearby hospitals.

The northwestern regions of Pakistan have seen an increase in militant attacks in recent years, targeting security forces and civilians in particular. Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan of operating from safe havens in neighboring Afghanistan. Kabul, however, rejected these accusations, stating that the group is not present on Afghan soil.

(Vijesti.ba)