Parachinar market blast leaves 23 dead

PARACHINAR: At least 24 people were killed and over 50 others sustained injuries in a powerful explosion in a local market of Parachinar.

The explosion took place in Eidgah Sabzi Mandi, a crowded vegetable market in Parachinar, the headquarters of Kurram tribal agency bordering Afghanistan.

The bodies and the injured were shifted to Agency Headquarters Hospital.

The death toll is expected to rise as many of the injured were critical.

Spokesman KPK government said 15 critically injured were airlifted to Peshawar since there are no proper treatment facilities in hospitals of tribal region.

Officials said it was a remote-controlled blast that occurred when hundreds of people busy in the market early morning. The bomb was concealed in fruit crates.

According to eyewitnesses, the blast was so powerful that it was heard across the city. Law-enforcement agencies cordoned off the site and kicked off search operation.

Talking to Samaa, MNA Sajid Toori said at least a man was killed in the incident, adding there are no satisfactory healthcare facilities at the hospital.

The MNA said the market is usually crowded at this time of the day.

Pakistan military said soldiers had reached the site and cordoned off the area. "Army helicopters are evacuating the injured," it said in a short statement.

According to the ISPR, an IED blast took place at 08:50 AM. Army and FC Quick Reaction Force reached the site and cordoned the area.

Meanwhile, Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan sought a report from political administration over the incident.

No group claimed the responsibility.

Kurram Agency, a district known for sectarian clashes, is one of Pakistan's seven semi-autonomous tribal districts which are governed according to local laws and customs. - Samaa