Bomb ripped through Parachinar area of Pakistan’s tribal Kurram Agency targeting a used-clothes market
Bomb ripped through Parachinar area of Pakistan’s tribal Kurram Agency targeting a used-clothes market
At least 23 people were killed and 70 wounded when a bomb ripped through Parachinar area of Pakistan’s tribal Kurram Agency targeting a used-clothes market on Sunday.
Officials said there was great rush of shoppers in the market at the time of explosion.The death toll was expected to rise after the explosion at the Idgah used-clothes market in Parachinar, bordering Afghanistan.
Television footage showed hundreds of male market-goers fleeing the area, which was strewn with clothing and debris, as the police tried to cordon off the location and ambulances rushed to the site.
Meanwhile, two suspects were taken into custody from the blast site whereas the police stated that the bomb was hidden in a cloth bale.
Kurram Agency is one of Pakistan s seven semi-autonomous tribal districts which are governed according to local laws and customs.
They are the frontline of Pakistan s battle against militant insurgency that began in 2004 after the US-led invasion of Afghanistan forced Taliban and Al Qaeda militants to flee across the border.
Overall levels of violence have decreased this year following a nationwide military-led offensive against militants, including a crackdown on groups who incite hatred.
President Mamnoon Hussain strongly condemned the Parachinar blast. Deploring the loss of precious lives in the blast, he directed that best possible medical treatment be provided to the injured.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also condemned the Parachinar blast. In his message, he expressed grief over the loss of life and property and commiserated with the bereaved families. He directed to provide special medical care to the injured.
Mr Sharif said, “Or resolve to eradicate the menace of terrorism is getting stronger with the loss of innocent lives and sacrifices of Army and law enforcement agencies.”
He said this fight is an irreversible process until terrorism was rooted out from the country.
