LAKKI MARWAT/KOHAT/ISLAMABAD: Nine people, including two traffic wardens, wer0e killed and more than 30 others injured when a powerful blast ripped through a busy market in Sarai Naurang in Lakki Marwat district on Tuesday, officials said.
Police officials said the blast occurred near the railway crossing in the crowded market, triggering panic among shopkeepers, commuters and residents.
“The explosion was so intense that it shattered windows of nearby buildings, damaged multiple vehicles and partially destroyed several shops in the vicinity,” said an eyewitness.
Initial investigations suggested that explosive material had been planted either on a motorcycle or a loader vehicle parked in the market. District Police Officer (DPO) Nazir Khan said preliminary evidence indicated that more than 40kg of explosives had been used in the attack. “The nature of the blast is being investigated. It is too early to determine whether it was a suicide attack or a remotely controlled explosion,” the DPO said, adding that bomb disposal experts were collecting evidence from the scene.
The injured and bodies were initially moved to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Sarai Naurang. Hospital officials confirmed that more than 30 injured persons, including women and children, were brought to different medical facilities. Seven people with minor injuries were discharged after first aid, while at least 23 injured remained under treatment.
A large-scale search-and-strike operation was launched in and around Sarai Naurang to locate those involved in the attack and their possible facilitators.
Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Bannu Region, Sajjad Khan, visited the blast site and later inspected the hospitals treating the victims.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of people in the Sarai Naurang Bazaar blast. The prime minister, in a statement, reiterated that all relevant institutions and the government were working with unwavering resolve to purge the country of terrorism. He emphasised that terrorists would not be allowed to impede the nation’s journey towards peace and progress. Paying tribute to the sacrifices made in the fight against terrorism, Shehbaz noted that all law enforcement agencies and the public have rendered invaluable sacrifices in this struggle. He directed the authorities concerned to complete the inquiry into the incident immediately to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also strongly condemned the tragic blast, expressing deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious human lives. Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi also strongly condemned the blast
Chairing a meeting to review the country’s law and order situation and matters related to the Ministry of Interior, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that all available resources would be utilised to enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in order to ensure the protection of citizens’ lives and property. He also directed strict implementation of the government’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption within law enforcement institutions. The prime minister asked that recruitments in all departments under the Interior Ministry, including the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), must be conducted strictly on merit. Emphasising the need to tackle modern security challenges, the prime minister said security personnel should be equipped with advanced training and modern skills. He further directed authorities to ensure the provision of the best equipment, modern technology and professional resources to the LEAs.
