LAKKI MARWAT: At least nine people, including two police personnel, were killed and 33 others injured in a blast in Serai Naurang tehsil of Lakki Marwat District on Tuesday, police said.
According to a spokesperson for the district police officer, Qudratullah Khan, the injured included a teenage girl and a woman, while several others were shifted to hospitals in Bannu for treatment.
The police said the identities of the martyred officers were Adil Jan and Rahatullah.
Authorities said it was not yet confirmed whether the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device placed in a loader rickshaw or a suicide attack. Bomb Disposal Squad experts have been deployed to determine the exact nature of the blast.
The spokesperson added that traffic police personnel were present at the busy square to regulate movement between Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan at the time of the incident.
Following the blast, a heavy police contingent led by the Naurang Circle DSP reached the site, cordoned off the area, and collected evidence for investigation.
Rescue 1122 teams also responded immediately and shifted the injured and deceased to nearby hospitals.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing, while security has been tightened in the area after the incident.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief at the incident, reiterating the country’s resolve towards “eradicating the scourge of terrorism.”
He said that all relevant institutions were working towards eradicating terrorism with “unwavering resolve,” and directed an inquiry into the blast.
The premier, in his statement, lauded the “sacrifices made by law enforcement agencies and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured,” as per PTV.
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi has also strongly condemned the blast in Lakki Marwat, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives.
In a statement, the governor said the provincial government must take serious and practical steps to ensure the rule of law and sustainable peace in the province. He added that those responsible for shedding innocent blood do not deserve any leniency, saying terrorists are enemies of both peace and humanity.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi took notice of the explosion at Serai Naurang market area and sought a detailed report from the Inspector General of Police.
The chief minister said the martyrdom of two traffic police officials and five civilians was deeply tragic, adding that the provincial government stands in full solidarity with the bereaved families and will provide every possible support.
He further directed authorities to ensure timely assistance to the injured and expedite investigations into the incident.
