PARACHINAR: At least 15 people were killed and 20 injured on Friday when a suspected suicide blast ripped through a market in mainly Shiite area of Kurram Agency bordering Afghanistan.
The blast occurred in the main Noor market of Parachinar town, a sensitive area of the Kurram Agency and largest city in FATA.
Political administration claimed that it was a suicide attack. “There were more than one attackers who also fired shots on people,” a source said.
A local administration official Shahid Ali Khan told AFP that the blast had taken place near the mosque.
Police said the explosion left at least 20 people injured. They were rushed to District Headquarters hospital. The death toll may rise.
ISPR said Pakistan Army troops have joined the rescue and relief operation, adding that a helicopter was dispatched to the area.
Security forces cordoned off the area.
Pakistan’s security forces have been conducting Raddul Fasaad operation against Taliban militants in tribal areas bordering Afghanistan.
On January 21, at least 25 people were killed and dozens others injured in a similar blast at the Parachinar market.
In February, a fresh wave of militant violence killed 130 people across Pakistan.
Kurram is one of Pakistan's seven semi-autonomous tribal districts which are governed according to local laws and customs.
The district is known for sectarian clashes. – Samaa/AFP
Ver much regret losses in #Parachinar & extend condolences 2 families. Allah bless their souls. Ending terrorism should remain top priority
— Jan Achakzai (@Jan_Achakzai) March 31, 2017
Sad news coming from parachinar again. Praying for people safety there.
— Faisal Karim Kundi (@fkkundi) March 31, 2017
Huge explosion in Parachinar city, eyewitness say it was near the female entrance of the main Imam Bargah. Ya ALLAH karam
— Faysal Qureshi (@faysalquraishi) March 31, 2017
Strongly condemn blast in Parachinar - this area bleeds again &again, but there seems to be no will to stop terrorism here. #NAPFailure
— Nafisa Shah (@ShahNafisa) March 31, 2017
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Story first published: 31st March 2017
