A powerful explosion in the Naurang Bazaar area of Lakki Marwat district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday claimed at least seven lives and left more than 18 people injured, according to police and hospital officials.
The blast took place near a rickshaw close to the Naurang police station in the busy commercial area of Sarai Naurang, causing panic among shoppers and nearby residents.
Casualties and Emergency Response
Hospital authorities confirmed that the bodies of seven victims were shifted to Naurang Hospital shortly after the incident. Among the deceased were two traffic police personnel who were on duty in the area at the time of the explosion.
Officials further stated that several of the injured include women and children, highlighting the impact of the blast on civilians present in the marketplace.
Following the incident, an emergency was declared at Sarai Naurang Hospital to manage the influx of casualties and provide immediate treatment to the injured.
Nature of the Blast Under Investigation
District Police Officer Nazir Khan said preliminary findings suggest that a vehicle was used in the explosion, and more than one maund of explosive material had been planted inside it.
He added that authorities are still investigating whether the blast was a suicide attack or remotely detonated. Security teams have cordoned off the area and collected evidence from the site.
Police officials also said that militants are increasingly targeting civilian locations, raising concerns about public safety in the region.
Government and Security Response
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi took notice of the incident and sought a detailed report from the Inspector General of Police. He termed the attack deeply tragic and assured that the provincial government would provide full support to the victims and their families.
Security forces have intensified operations in the area as investigations continue.
Rising Security Concerns in the Region
Pakistan, particularly Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, has witnessed a rise in militant attacks in recent years. Officials have repeatedly linked this trend to cross-border militancy and the presence of extremist groups operating from neighboring regions.
Islamabad has consistently urged authorities in Kabul to prevent their territory from being used for attacks inside Pakistan, while security forces continue counter-terrorism operations across affected districts.
Authorities say further details will be shared once the investigation into the Lakki Marwat blast progresses.
