LAKKI MARWAT: At least seven people, including two police personnel, were martyred while 23 others sustained injuries in a powerful blast on Tuesday in Serai Naurang tehsil of Lakki Marwat, police officials confirmed.
According to police spokesperson Qudratullah Khan, the exact nature of the explosion is still under investigation, and authorities are trying to determine whether an explosives-laden loader rickshaw had been parked in the area or if it was a suicide attack.
Bomb Disposal Squad experts are currently examining evidence collected from the blast site to establish the nature and intensity of the explosion.
The martyred police officials were identified as Adil Jan and Rahatullah.
Police said the bodies of the deceased were shifted to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, while several injured victims were transferred to hospitals in Bannu for emergency medical treatment.
Among the injured were a teenage girl and a woman, officials added.
According to police authorities, traffic wardens were carrying out routine traffic management duties at the busy square connecting Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan when the blast occurred.
Videos circulating on social media showed extensive damage to nearby shops, vehicles, and several three-wheelers parked close to the explosion site.
A large police contingent led by the Naurang Circle Deputy Superintendent of Police immediately reached the area, cordoned off the site, and launched an evidence collection operation.
Earlier, Rescue 1122 spokesperson Shahdab Khan confirmed that rescue teams and ambulances had been dispatched immediately after the blast. He appealed to the public to cooperate with rescue authorities and avoid gathering at the scene.
Meanwhile, Sohail Afridi, Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, took notice of the incident and sought a detailed report from the provincial Inspector General of Police.
The chief minister expressed grief over the loss of lives and assured full support and assistance to the families of the martyrs. He also directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured.
The incident comes just days after a deadly suicide attack on the Fateh Khel police post in Bannu, where at least 15 police personnel were martyred on Saturday night.
Following the Bannu attack, Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Monday summoned the Afghan chargé d’affaires and handed over a strong demarche, stating that investigations indicated the attack had been orchestrated by terrorists operating from Afghan territory.
