At least nine people were martyred and more than 23 others injured in an explosion at Sarai Naurang Bazaar in Lakki Marwat, police said.
According to police, two traffic officials were also among the martyrs. Militants belonging to Fitna-ul-Khawarij carried out a blast in Sarai Naurang Bazaar, according to initial reports.
Police said the explosion took place in Sarai Naurang Bazaar, after which police and rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the scene. Several vehicles and shops were also damaged in the explosion, the police added.
Initial reports had suggested fears of casualties, with several people, including traffic officials, injured in the blast.
According to preliminary investigations, the attackers used explosives planted on a motorcycle to carry out the blast. Security forces and law enforcement agencies have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to trace those responsible.
Officials said the terrorists, after suffering setbacks in successful operations under Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, had begun targeting soft civilian locations on the instructions of their Indian handlers.
Police said the injured were being transferred to Sarai Naurang Hospital for medical treatment. Women and children were also among the 23 injured in the explosion.
Emergency declared at hospital
An emergency was declared at Sarai Naurang Hospital following the blast as medical teams began treating the wounded. Authorities are continuing rescue and relief operations in the affected area.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has taken notice of the blast. The chief minister has sought a report on the incident from the inspector general of police.
“We share the grief of the families of the martyrs, and the provincial government will provide all possible support to them,” the chief minister said.
He also directed authorities to ensure the provision of the best possible medical facilities to those injured in the blast.
Condemnations of blast
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned the blast in Sarai Naurang Bazaar, Lakki Marwat. He expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of seven people, including two traffic police officers, in the explosion.
Shehbaz said the government and state institutions are working tirelessly to eliminate terrorism from the country.
“Terrorists will not be allowed to obstruct the path of peace and development,” the prime minister said.
He added that law enforcement agencies and the people of Pakistan have rendered immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
The PM directed authorities to conduct an immediate inquiry into the incident and ensure those responsible are brought to justice. He also prayed for the forgiveness of the martyrs and for the speedy recovery of those injured in the blast.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the blast. Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives, including two traffic police officials, the interior minister extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Naqvi said the government stands with the affected families in this difficult time and added that the entire nation is united in the fight against terrorism.
“The whole nation is determined to crush the menace of terrorism,” he said, adding that every segment of Pakistani society has made unparalleled sacrifices in the war against terrorism and those sacrifices will not go in vain.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also condemned the explosion. He expressed heartfelt sorrow over the martyrdom of innocent people in the blast and extended sympathies to the bereaved families.
“Terrorists who shed the blood of innocent people deserve no concessions,” the governor said.
Kundi also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the explosion.
He said the increasing incidents of terrorism across the province, especially in the southern districts, were deeply alarming and urged the provincial government to take serious and practical measures to ensure law and order and establish lasting peace.
The governor added that terrorists are enemies of peace and humanity, and said the sacrifices rendered by the people of the province, police personnel and security forces in the fight against terrorism would not go in vain.
Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan expressed condolences to the families of those martyred in the blast. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
“Terrorists have no religion,” the governor said, adding that Pakistan’s security forces remain determined to completely eliminate terrorism from the country.
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